Raven-Symoné on 'racist' Michelle Obama 'Planet of the Apes' comparison: 'Some people just look like animals'

Univision presenter Rodner Figueroa was sacked from his high-profile role after he compared the First Lady to a primate cast member

Former The Cosby Show star Raven-Symoné raised eyebrows when she defended comments made by Latin TV host Rodner Figueroa about Michelle Obama last week.

The Univision presenter was sacked from his high-profile role after he compared the First Lady to a cast member from Planet of the Apes.

The subject was a topic of discussion on a Whoopi Goldberg-chaired panel on US talk show The View this week.

Rosie Perez began the debate by claiming that many members of the Latin community, of which she is a part of, do not wish to recognise their African roots.

“There is a secret in the Latin community, specifically the Caribbean, South American, Central American, Latin community, that they are very racist,” she said.

“Was he saying it racist-like?” Raven countered. “Because he said that he voted for her later and I don't think he was saying it racist.”

Show host Michelle Collins said: “My thing is, I think he's a gay guy. He is a comedian, according to him, and he is bi-racial himself. I have a feeling he said it without even thinking. I think he should be fired for stupidity. If you're too stupid to realize that that's offensive, you should not be on TV.”

“That's disrespect,” Perez responded. “I would like to tell you that it is racist, period. This is a problem in the Latin community, that we do not talk about that. We do not address, and it is real and it was revealed by this man's statement. And you do not disrespect the first lady of our country.”

Raven then said: “Michelle, don't fire me for this right now, but some people look like animals. Is that true? I look like a bird. Can I be mad if somebody calls me Tucan Sam?”

Watch the debate above.