Raven-Symoné's body was allegedly edited to appear thinner during the body-enhancement episode of “That's So Raven.”
Disney Channel co-producer and writer Dava Savel made this claim in author Ashley Spencer's new book, “Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire.''
Savell said the show's producers were troubled by the then-18-year-old actress' weight and “treated her really badly.” But it was never to her face. ” Per E! news.
In the Season 2 episode titled “That's So Not Raven,” a model is chosen to walk over Raven Baxter, played by Raven-Symoné, in a fashion show because she is thinner than the character. .
The episode sees Raven-Symoné, now 38, trying several diets to lose weight before finally accepting herself.
In the end, she realizes that she is perfect just the way she is and walks the runway sending a message of body positivity.
However, multiple sources in the book claim that network executives requested that Raven-Symoné's runway scenes use visual effects to slim down her figure.
“It was embarrassing,” Michael Feldman said. “I don't understand how they can look at themselves and do something like that. The very thing she wanted to create a story about was literally done to her.
“It still shocks me that they were so tone-deaf.”
Adam Bonnett, Disney Channel's former head of original programming, said the special effects technique was later used in other episodes.
“Several things were done to make the Raven[‘s attire] It seems more flattering in certain scenes,” Bonet said, referring to an episode in which a teenage psychic goes dancing.
Representatives for Raven-Symoné and Disney did not immediately respond to Page Six for comment.
The “Cheetah Girls” actress starred on the sitcom for four seasons from 2003 to 2007.
Raven-Symoné admitted during her appearance on the show that she had breast reduction and fat surgery to stop people calling her fat.
“I was so confused. Being young and all that hurt,” she said on an episode of “Raven and Miranda's Best Podcast Ever.”
