Raven-Symoné is stirring things up again with her comments about race. The outspoken star evoked the backlash of the internet earlier this week after some said she defended Univision host Rodner Figueroa, who was fired for comparing Michelle Obama to a cast member from Planet of the Apes.

As Rosie Perez was attempting to explain racism within the Latino community, Symoné asked, “But was he saying it racist-like? Because he said he voted for her later. And I don’t think he was saying it racist.” 
WATCH RAVEN-SYMONÉ DISCUSS HER CONTROVERSIAL SAME-SEX MARRIAGE TWEET ON JUST KEKE

She then added, “Not Michelle Obama. Michelle, don’t fire me from this right now, but some people do look like animals.” 
Now Symoné is attempting to clarify what she meant. Speaking to the Daily Beast, Symoné talked about why she thinks her comments caused drama. “I don’t think they heard what I said,” she said. “I did not defend the man. I said that what he said was very distasteful. And I think that the organization is in the right to fire him. And I don’t believe that she looks like a racially charged animal that has been connected to the Black community for years and years.”
She also stated, “However, I do know people that look like animals!”
But the actress wants to be clear that her clarification doesn't mean she's backpedaling from her comments. “I can’t — I’m not going to back down from what I believe in,” she said. She reiterated the sentiment on Twitter, writing, "Make a statement, and stand by it: power to you! Don't forget about being respectful to your fellow man, is the only comeback I have."
She also tweeted, "Some comments are rude, some are disrespectful, and some are racist. Try to not exchange one for the other."
Regarding Figueroa’s comments about Planet of the Apes, she concluded, “He didn’t understand that that word is hurtful in some communities because of the connotation of it. I understand that. But also I think that there’s some people that look animals. I look like a bird. Everybody’s not racially angry. Calm down.”
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(Photo: Fortunata/Splash News)