Who did Raven-Symoné date? Actress reveals ex cheated on her before asking to be godmother to his child 

Over the years, Raven-Symoné has been linked to a few familiar names, including her That’s So Raven co-stars Orlando Brown and Jonathan “Lil J” McDaniel, as well as her Empire castmate Jussie Smollett, though she later clarified the latter was never romantic. Recently, Symoné's storytelling quality was on full display during her recent appearance on Jeff Lewis Live, where she joined her wife Miranda Maday for a revealing conversation that took an unexpected emotional turn.

What started as light banter quickly veered into deeper territory when host Jeff Lewis asked about an ex who had "stepped outside" the relationship. Without flinching, Symoné answered,

"That's a nice way to put it, yes."

Lewis pushed further, wondering if the ex was someone in the public eye. Raven-Symoné replied carefully:

"He's pretty well known in the community he works in."

Then came a pause, the kind that signals a story to be told. "Wow, I wasn't expecting that," she said, before sharing the twist no one saw coming.

"We were together for a really long time, and he got another girl pregnant, and the best part of it was he asked me to be the godmother of the kid."

The revelation visibly stunned Lewis and his team. Still, Raven-Symoné explained that they remain in contact, despite everything.

“He’s been through a lot, so there’s nothing but love and respect for all that he’s gone through in his family, but he still talks about it all the time,” she shared.

Then, with a smirk, she punctuated the story with one last word: “Dumbass.”

---

A Look at Raven-Symoné’s reported dating history: From co-stars to close friendships

While Raven-Symoné has preferred to keep much of her personal life under wraps, a few past relationships have made headlines, particularly those involving her former co-stars. In 2003, she was reportedly romantically involved with Orlando Brown, her That’s So Raven castmate who portrayed Eddie. The reported relationship was reported by Elite Daily.

Another That’s So Raven actor, Jonathan “Lil J” McDaniel, was also linked to Raven. Reports suggest the two dated from 2003 to 2007. McDaniel later reprised his role as Devon on the reboot of Rof aven’s Home, where the two reunited professionally.

Raven was also speculated to have had a romantic connection with Empire co-star Jussie Smollett. But in a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she clarified the nature of their friendship:

“We never had a romantic relationship, but we definitely, living in method-acting worlds, acted how we normally would. It was very natural and easy. I'm happy that he was as excited to work with me as I was excited to work with him. We had never really worked together. We did a little music together prior to him being on the show, but as my best friend, normally we act like that when we're out in a club having fun.”

That same year, Smollett publicly came out as gay during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

---

Inside Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday’s five-year love story:

Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday kept the early stages of their relationship out of the public eye, only later revealing that they had married in 2020. Since then, the couple has become more open about their life together, often discussing their relationship on their shared podcast, Tea Time with Raven and Miranda. As per People, on June 16, 2025, they celebrated five years of marriage, posting tributes to one another on Instagram.

“What time has given us is only measured by the love and growth we share. Hugs to sides-eyes to kisses&snuggles to space we have tackled monsters and celebrated the wins. 80 more to go, ready set [go],” Raven wrote.

Before her marriage to Raven-Symoné brought her into the public spotlight, Pearman-Maday had built a career as an executive assistant in the entertainment industry. She has since transitioned into work as a birth doula, as well as a writer and podcast host.

---

Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday reveal why they sleep in separate rooms:

Raven-Symoné and her wife Miranda Maday shed light on a part of their relationship that might surprise some fans: they sleep in separate rooms. The couple discussed their unconventional setup during a recent appearance on Jeff Lewis Has Issues, explaining that the decision stemmed from practical reasons.

“There were many reasons,” Maday shared.

“Raven is a crazy sleeper, and she would keep me up at night. She kicks and tosses and breathes,” she added, while the That's So Raven alum laughed beside her. “I have a big routine.” Raven chimed in, offering more detail about their nighttime differences.

“It’s the hair. It’s the humidifier. It’s the curtains. It’s the way she lays in the bed with red light systems on the whole entire body… I’m in the bed, I’m on TikTok, my legs are spread all the way open. Half-n*ked.”

Maday responded with a playful jab:

“Maybe washed her face that day,”

To which Raven replied, “Probably not.”