Zendaya is slamming Giuliana Rancic for making “ignorant” and “outrageously offensive” racial “slurs” on Monday’s “Fashion Police.” It all started when the E! show’s co-hosts were discussing the young star’s decision to wear dreadlocks on the Oscars’ red carpet. Rancic began by complimenting the actress by saying, “I love Zendaya’s style.” Then, as footage played of Zendaya at the Academy Awards, Rancic expressed that because she has “such a tiny frame,” her long hair “overwhelms her,” before joking that she probably “smells like patchouli oil or weed” (video below).
In response, Zendaya posted a long message on Twitter in which she wrote, “There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful. Someone said something about my hair at the Oscars that left me in awe… because I was hit with ignorant slurs and pure disrespect.” She added, “To say that an 18 year old woman with locs must smell of patchouly oil or ‘weed’ is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive. I don’t usually feel the need to respond to negative things but certain remarks cannot go unchecked.”
The actress went on to list family members and noted individuals, such as Selma director Ava DuVernay and various professors with Harvard and Yale degrees, who have dreadlocks. She noted that “none of [those people] smell of marijuana.” Zendaya pointed out, “There is already harsh criticism of African-American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair.” She then explained, “My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough. To me locks are a symbol of strength and beauty, almost like a lion’s mane.”
A truly apologetic Rancic did not waste any time before saying she was sorry. She immediately tweeted, “Dear @Zendaya, I’m sorry I offended you and others. I was referring to a bohemian chic look. Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!” Check out the video below of Rancic discussing Zendaya, and tell us what you think.
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