Raven-Symoné on Body Image, Breast Reductions, and Ditching “Performative Hyperfemininity”

The inaugural season of *Allure Perspectives* will explore one of the most controversial and medically studied parts of the female body: the breasts. Through expert interviews, personal stories, and historical context, this podcast series—hosted by Editor-in-Chief Jessica Cruel—will examine the relationship between breasts and beauty, health, identity, sexuality, and culture. In our fourth episode, Cruel speaks with actress Raven-Symoné about how growing up in the spotlight affected her body image, the process of separating her identity from her characters, her two breast reduction surgeries at a young age, and much more. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get new episodes every week. Raven-Symoné landed her first job (as a model) when she was 16 months old. She started on *The Cosby Show* at age four; many millennials fell in love with her on *That’s So Raven*, the first season of which aired when she was 17. Like so many actors who grew up in Hollywood, Raven says the industry shaped her self-image in various ways—positive, negative, and neutral.

Now in her late thirties, Raven feels more comfortable in her own body than ever. In the latest episode of the *Allure Perspectives* podcast, she opens up to host Jessica Cruel about topics ranging from her earliest memories of body shame to her breast reduction at age 15 and how she finally shed the hyper-femininity she realized she had been performing for most of her life. Here is a preview of their conversation; then, listen to the full interview on your preferred podcast platform.

On how early costume fittings affected her body image

Research has shown that, for most children, puberty is the stage when they begin to become fully aware of their bodies and all the social connotations associated with size. For Raven, that awareness emerged much earlier. "At a young age, I had to go to what they called costume fittings," she says, recalling the days when costume designers would make offhand comments about her body while preparing outfits for a show. "By age nine, I already knew I couldn't have a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast because the outfit would show the bulge of my belly." Raven is glad that the language used in that context is changing, though she believes those early experiences helped her develop greater emotional resilience. "I want everyone to have a healthy state of mind... as our society becomes more educated about how body dysmorphia can be triggered simply by saying, 'Wow, we need to let this outfit out today.'"

On playing the "hyper-feminine" girl

During the *That’s So Raven* era (2003–2007), Raven’s red-carpet style was the embodiment of every stereotypical millennial girl’s dream: hair pulled back with dozens of tiny elastics or butterfly clips, big silver hoop earrings, asymmetrical skirts, one-shoulder tops, and strappy metallic heels. Looking back, Raven acknowledges realizing that the style didn't really suit her. "It was all a performance," she states, adding, "I learned to be hyper-feminine because I knew that was what the industry wanted and was willing to buy."

Raven says that changed when she "started officially dating women" (she publicly revealed her sexual orientation via a tweet in 2013). "I feel flirtier, sexier, and more connected to my body when I don't have to pretend," she asserts. Now, Raven says she has gotten rid of all the waist-cinching shapewear and feels comfortable shopping in the men's section, where she finds more clothes she likes. "I didn't know fashion could be fun," she remarks. "I didn't know fashion didn't have to hurt."

However, she acknowledges that she still has to perform for work at times and is generally willing to occasionally revisit the hyper-feminine version of Raven—provided she gets paid for it. "I just finished filming *Cheetah Girls: Next Gen* and... get ready. She’s back," Raven says, referring to the return of Galleria, the "hyper-feminine" girl. "It’s not something I can maintain in my personal life. Only on camera and for a paycheck."

On her mixed feelings regarding her breast reductions:

Raven has undergone two breast reductions; the first was at age 15—a decision she has previously said was made under pressure from the adults around her. When asked if she regrets the procedure, Raven replies, "Yes, because I was too young."

"I should have done it after puberty," she continues. "I mean, they still look good, but it was a bit rushed. I wish I’d ​​had the strength to say no." Raven insists that, personally, she never had an issue with having a large bust. "Girl, I flaunted it! I was front and center," she recalls with a laugh. "You’d show off those assets and doors would open for you. Those DDD cups turned heads." Today, Raven says she feels 80% comfortable in her body—a figure far higher than the "10% back in the *Raven-Symoné* era, so to speak." And regarding her breasts specifically? "My breasts and I... [we] have conversations often."

On what she would tell her younger self

Looking back, Raven wishes she could have reassured her younger self about her body. "You’re going to have to shoulder the weight of what it means to be a plus-size person in this industry," she says. "Others will come along and make it trendy, while you have to process the trauma of that era for everyone else. That is your role right now." The silver lining—what the adult Raven tells the girl she once was—is that she will emerge from it all with greater strength, courage, and wisdom.

And one more thing: "You were right—a toasted sesame bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and a little salt is delicious."

Listen to the episode:

To hear the full interview with Raven-Symoné—including why she values ​​having friends outside of Hollywood, the story behind the tweet where she opened up about her sexual orientation, and why she buys her jeans in South Africa—listen to the episode below. (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.)