As more and more rape allegations continue to surround Bill Cosby, it was only a matter of time before his former co-stars were dragged into the drama. But when rumors began to surface claiming that Cosby molested The Cosby Show sweetheart Raven Symoné, the actress was quick to shut them down.
“I was NOT taking [sic] advantage of by Mr. Cosby when I was on the Cosby Show!” she wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of a finger-pointing Olivia. “I was practically a baby on that show and this is truly a disgusting rumor that I want no part of! Everyone on that show treated me with nothing but kindness. Now keep me out of this!”
She then went on to tweet to her critics, “SMH!! SMH!! Bye! Spelling or not you know what I mean. Keep me outta this!”
The rumor gained traction after self-proclaimed gossip parody site Hip Hop Hangover published an article claiming that Symoné was the latest to come forward in the ever-growing list of alleged victims. The article includes a bogus comment from Symoné’s lawyers, saying that the superstar is ready to come clean and tell her side of the story after keeping quiet out of respect for her on-screen step-grandfather.
Symoné’s comments come in the midst of Cosby cancellations. Just yesterday, NBC announced that they were shelving production of Cosby’s new show, which was slated to air sometime next year.
“I think it’s irresponsible to put him back in the position of a patriarchal father, in an authoritative and trusted position,” alleged victim Barbara Bowman told The Hollywood Reporter.
Netflix also recently postponed Cosby’s Thanksgiving Day special. Various networks including TV Land are yanking The Cosby Show reruns from their lineups, including holiday marathons.
Cosby has remained silent through the entire saga.