According to a number of insiders, Disney producers edited Raven-Symone's body to appear thinner in an episode of 'That's So Raven' that promoted body positivity.
- October 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - According to insiders revealed in Ashley Spencer's book "Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire", show producers were concerned about Raven-Symone's weight at the time, which allegedly led to her body being altered without her knowledge.
In the Season 2 episode "That's So Not Raven", Raven-Symone's character, Raven Baxter, is turned down for a fashion show because she is not thin enough. The episode's message of body acceptance is undercut by allegations that a network executive requested visual effects be used to slim down Raven-Symone's body for her runway scene.
Michael Feldman, a former Disney employee, has expressed shock and dismay at the alleged alterations, stating, "It was shameful." Adam Bonnett, Disney Channel's former head of original programming, said the decision was not his and recalled the same special effect technique being used in later episodes.
Raven-Symone herself has previously admitted to undergoing breast reduction and lipo surgery during her time on the show, as she faced criticism for her weight. The allegations that her body was edited in an episode about body positivity have raised concerns about the industry's treatment of young actresses.
Despite the controversy, "That's So Raven" remained a popular series, receiving two Emmy nominations during its four seasons. Raven-Symone has since reprised her role in the spin-off series "Raven's Home", which aired for six seasons.
