Raven-Symoné Calls Out Perez Hilton's Past 'Racist' Comments

The actress says the celebrity blogger never apologized to her directly.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Raven-Symoné has called out celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton for previously making "racist" comments about her appearance, including referring to her hair as looking like a "poodle." Raven said Hilton's remarks were hurtful and that he has never apologized to her, unlike some of his other past controversial behavior that he has since apologized for.

Why it matters

Raven-Symoné's comments highlight the lasting impact that mean-spirited celebrity gossip can have, especially when it involves racist or otherwise discriminatory language. This raises broader questions about accountability and the need for public figures to take responsibility for harmful rhetoric, even years later.

The details

During an episode of her podcast "Tea Time with Raven and Miranda," Raven-Symoné recalled how Perez Hilton once referred to her hair as looking like a "poodle" in a 2008 blog post. Raven said Hilton's comments were "racist" and that he has never apologized to her, unlike some of his other past controversial behavior. Raven blamed Hilton for kickstarting a culture of mean-spirited celebrity gossip.

  • In 2008, Perez Hilton made the comments about Raven-Symoné's appearance in a blog post.
  • Raven-Symoné discussed Hilton's past remarks during a recent episode of her podcast in 2026.

The players

Raven-Symoné

An American actress, singer, and television personality, best known for her roles on the sitcoms "The Cosby Show" and "That's So Raven."

Perez Hilton

An American celebrity blogger who rose to prominence in the 2000s for his often controversial and mean-spirited coverage of celebrities.

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What they’re saying

“It was racist.”

— Raven-Symoné, Actress (Tea Time with Raven and Miranda)

“Never apologized to me.”

— Raven-Symoné, Actress (Tea Time with Raven and Miranda)

“I am sorry. This is one of a long list of regrets. I carry with me deep shame for much of my past.”

— Perez Hilton (Instagram)

The takeaway

Raven-Symoné's comments underscore the lasting harm that can be caused by public figures engaging in racist or otherwise discriminatory rhetoric, even years later. This highlights the need for greater accountability and responsibility from those in the public eye, as well as the importance of making amends for past harmful behavior.