Raven-Symoné has been under fire in the press and on social media since her appearance on Oprah Winfrey's "Where Are They Now?" After a few days of silence, the former "Cosby Show" starlet responded to the backlash regarding her controversial opinion.

ICYMI:  See Oprah's Reaction to Raven Symoné's Controversial Statement & Full Interview

During Oprah and Raven's candid interview on Oct. 5, Symoné stated that she did not like to be labeled as "African American" or "gay." Members of both the black and LGBT communities immediately voiced how upset they were to hear her views on national television, because it seemed that she was denouncing the very groups that embraced her. According to a new statement the star released to TheGrio, she did not expect to be targeted for her beliefs.

"I never said I wasn't black... I want to make that very clear," the statement read. "I said I am not African-American. I never expected my personal beliefs and comments to spark such emotion in people. I think it is only positive when we can openly discuss race and being labeled in America."

Raven Symoneé Gives Advice to Fellow Child Stars

Earlier that day, she told her followers on Twitter and Instagram that this statement would be the "Final say about "what I said," with a link to the original article.

Fans on Twitter had mixed reactions to her statement:

It looks like the former Cheetah Girl is moving on by paying it forward with charity work for a new organization called Discover You Compton, which funds the arts education of children in after school programs.

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Www.discoveryoucompton.org. Www.indiegogo.com. Do what you can. Helping kids in our country is a wonderful feeling! Pay-it-forward. Donate as much as you can to help a kid have a full months tuition for an after school program! Dion Watson what a great way to pay it forward, and help the kids that need it.  View on Instagram

See how you can help, on their website.

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