Raven-Symoné has sparked a huge debate online after questioning whether her iconic That’s So Raven character was actually Black.

The actress and singer, who played Raven Baxter in the hit Disney Channel series, appeared to push back against the idea that the character should be defined by her race during a recent conversation about Blackness and representation.

While discussing the different ways Black identity can be represented, the host described Raven Baxter as “Black as f*ck” and said that the character “felt Black as hell” to him.

Raven-Symoné immediately questioned why he viewed the character that way. “Was she Black? Why did she feel Black to you?” she asked.

When the host pointed out that Raven was part of a Black family at the centre of the show, Raven-Symoné continued to challenge the idea. “Take away the color. Make them green, and hear the words. What color are they?” she said.

Her comments quickly caused a stir online, with viewers debating whether Raven Baxter's Black identity is an essential part of the character or whether the character can be viewed independently from race.

That’s So Raven originally aired on Disney Channel from 2003 to 2007 and followed teenager Raven Baxter, a young girl who could see visions of the future.

The series became one of Disney Channel's most recognisable shows, with Raven-Symoné becoming a household name through her portrayal of its central character.

The Baxter family was also explicitly presented as a Black American family throughout the series, with the show's representation becoming an important part of its identity for many viewers.

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