Shallow Faciliation

Raven-Symoné: Michelle Obama Planet of the Apes Comparison Wasn't Racist, Some People Just Look Like Animals

by Bruna Nessif 3/18/15

                      



Raven-Symoné © GettyImages.com

Raven-Symoné was just trying to share her view, but it wasn't exactly received well.
The actress was a guest co-host on The View earlier today and at one point of the show, began to discuss the controversial headlines surrounding Michelle Obama.

For those who are unaware, FLOTUS was recently at the center of some eyebrow-raising comments made by Univision's Rodner Figueroa on the program El Gordo Y La Flaca when he stated, "Mind you, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she's part of the cast of Planet of the Apes, the film."

Yikes! Whoopi Goldberg introduced the topic to the audience and Rosie Perez kicked off the discussion by stating that his comment (which ultimately cost him his job) was racist.

"A lot of Latin people recognize the fact that we do have African blood in us. A lot of them do not want to recognize that fact, and that's where this stems from. There is a secret in the Latin community, specifically the Caribbean, South American, Central American, Latin community, that they are very racist," Perez began.

"They never want to be in the same group as black people. And it's sad. It's very, very sad. And he did say Michelle Obama looks like a cast member of the Planet of the Apes."
That's when Raven chimed in and asked, "Was he saying it racist-like? Because he said that he voted for her later and I don't think he was saying it racist."

Fellow guest co-host and comedian Michelle Collins added, "My thing is, I think he's a gay guy. He is a comedian, according to him, and he is bi-racial himself. I have a feeling he said it without even thinking. I think he should be fired for stupidity. If you're too stupid to realize that that's offensive, you should not be on TV."

Perez wasn't having it.

"That's disrespect. I would like to tell you that it is racist, period. This is a problem in the Latin community, that we do not talk about that. We do not address, and it is real and it was revealed by this man's statement. And you do not disrespect the first lady of our country."
Raven continued, "Michelle, don't fire me for this right now, but some people look like animals. Is that true?...I look like a bird. Can I be mad if somebody calls me Tucan Sam?"
Yes, Raven. Yes, you can.