Raven-Symone defended former Univision TV host Rodner Figueroa who was fired last week for his controversial "Planet of the Apes" comment toward U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama.

It will be recalled that Figueroa - an Emmy award-winning host - joked that the First Lady looked like she was in the cast of the "Planet of the Apes" movie during a live segment on his entertainment news show "El Gordo Y La Flaca," according to Huffington Post.

The comment came while the host was analyzing make-up artist Paolo Ballesteros' make-up transformation for Obama, with the first lady's original photo beside it. "Mind you, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she's part of the cast of 'Planet of the Apes,' the film," Figueroa quipped.

Because of the remarks, which Univision labeled as "completely reprehensible," Figueroa was relieved of his hosting duties on Wednesday, March 11. He had worked with Univision for 17 years. Figueroa has since written an open letter of apology to Obama, but called out the network for trying to "damage my career."

During a co-host appearance on the syndicated talk show "The View" on Monday, March 16, Symone defended the axed anchor and told her fellow panelists that she did not think Figueroa intended his comment to be racist.

"Was he saying it racist-like? Because, he said that he voted for her later and I don't think he was saying it racist," the former Disney star stated.

Her co-host actress Rosie Perez was reportedly taken aback by Symone's remarks. "Oh please! That's like saying, 'I'm not a racist, but I have black friends,'" said Perez.

"Not Michelle Obama. Michelle, don't fire me from this right now, but some people do look like animals," Symoné jokingly said. "I look like a bird... so can I be mad at somebody that calls me Toucan Sam?" she added, which elicited strong reactions from people.

Following her remarks and the backlash, the singer took to Twitter to explain her comments. "Some comments are rude, some are disrespectful, and some are racist. Try to not exchange one for the other," Symoné tweeted. "My opinion/comments aren't based off race, that doesn't mean i'm trying to be a different race all together. I love OUR history, family...."

She concluded her Twitter messages with: "We have Irish Culture, African Culture, Asian Culture, Indian Culture Many more running through the veins of AMERICA! Come on [young] peeps."