Giuliana Rancic Apologizes To Zendaya After Ridiculing Her Dreadlocks
E!’s Fashion Police is known for their red carpet commentary as well as their harsh criticisms of actresses and personalities on the red carpet. It’s funny most of the time, but now Giuliana Rancic knows firsthand that it’s impossible not to offend anyone with their scathing comments. During their February 23 post-Oscars broadcast, Rancic made remarks about actress and singer Zendaya’s dreadlocks. Rancic said, “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil. Or weed. Maybe weed?” Zendaya was clearly incensed and took to Twitter to respond to Rancic.
.@zendaya schooled @giulianarancic after the E! host’s racist comments: http://t.co/FbPmAKREWu pic.twitter.com/Myj879xNOU
— The Cut (@TheCut) February 25, 2015
Zendaya posted a picture of a long message she wrote in response to Rancic’s comments. The post has since been retweeted 35,000 times. In it, Zendaya wrote, “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 added, “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.”
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 24, 2015
Even Rancic’s Fashion Police co-host, Kelly Osbourne, called her out for her insensitive remarks. Osbourne, who is Zendaya’s friend, gave E! and Rancic an ultimatum saying that they should apologize or else she will quit the show.
Osbourne tweeted, “I’m giving everyone involved 24 hours to make it right or the world will hear how I really feel.”
Aside from Osbourne, many other stars have spoken publicly about their support for Zendaya. Personalities like Khloe Kardashian, Chloë Moretz, and Kerry Washington — among others — shared Zendaya’s post on Twitter and rallied behind her.
Well done Beautiful. XO “@Zendaya: pic.twitter.com/Lieyt5M1UH” — kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 24, 2015
Rancic finally complied with Osbourne’s request, issuing a public apology on E! News.
“I’d really like to address something that’s weighing very heavy on my heart… I want to apologize for a comment that I made on last night’s Fashion Police about Zendaya’s hair.”
“Something I said last night did cross the line. I didn’t intend to hurt anybody, but I’ve learned it’s not my intent that matters, it’s the result,” Rancic added.
“This really has been a learning experience for me, I’ve learned a lot today. And this incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of cliches and stereotypes, how much damage they can do. And that I am responsible, as we all are, to not perpetuate them further.”
Zendaya has yet to issue a response to Rancic’s apology.
[Main image via E! News]
