Debbie Allen unloads on Bill Cosby rape controversy

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Legendary choreographer, dancer and director Debbie Allen is debuting her ballet production, Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, for the first time on television Saturday night on BET.

The production features Raven-Symoné and Tichina Arnold teaming up with Allen to bring her unique take on the classic Nutcracker ballet to life.

Allen joined Chris Witherspoon for an MSNBC.com live exclusive interview to talk about her new production and also her work directing the ABC hit series Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder.

The Emmy Award winner later discussed how she felt about the rape allegations surrounding Bill Cosby.

When asked if she feels Cosby’s legacy’s now at stake? Allen replied, “I think it certainly is tarnished…that anyone is asking the question. Just imagine Mickey Mouse saying that he raped Minnie. Minnie Mouse is part of the fabric of America. Whether he did it or not, the question is being raised.”

“Who I really think about is Camille his wife,” Allen added. “Camille is beautiful, and they’ve gone through so much… with the loss of their son… so many things. This is out of the blue, it’s something unexpected. None of us can wrap our minds around it right now.”

Allen has a lengthy professional history with Cosby. She worked alongside the comedian for years directing A Different World and also made appearances on The Cosby Show. Allen’s also the younger sister to Phylicia Rashad, who starred as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show for more than a decade.

Click below to watch Debbie Allen discuss racial profiling:

Follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter for more entertainment news at @WitherspoonC.