Zendaya Coleman, the star actress in Hollywood is one of the budding actors of our generation, at only 26 years of age she has starred in multiple billion-dollar franchises, mainly known for her role as MJ in Marvel’s Spider-Man trilogy. In 2015, when she attended the Academy Awards in her gorgeous eye-catching white silk gown and deadlock hair, Giuliana Rancic, the then anchor of the news channel E! News passed a very offensive comment about her hair. Zendaya was shocked as she found her comment to be very disrespectful.
Also read: Fascinating Love Story of Tom Holland and Zendaya: How Did the MCU Actors Start Dating?
Giuliana Rancic’s Comment About Zendaya’s Dreadlock Hair
At the 87th Academy Awards held in 2015, a comment was made about Zendaya’s waist-skimming dreadlock hair by Giuliana Rancic, the co-host and anchor of the new channel E! News which she found very offensive. According to Zendaya, the anchor said that she smelled like patchouli oil and weed, now this is a very offensive and disrespectful thing to say to anyone. Zendaya further revealed that her comment left her in complete awe.
“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. Not because I was relishing in rave outfit reviews, but because I was hit with ignorant slurs and pure disrespect.
To say that an 18-year-old young woman with locs must smell of patchouli 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.”
Zendaya further shared that it is not only her but also thousands of African-Americans who are judged by the curls in their hair and her appearance on the red carpet with locs was a testament to remind people of color that their hair is good enough. Giuliana Rancic apologized to Zendaya stating that it was never her intention to say something as insulting. She tweeted,
“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!!!”
She also released an official apology on air saying,
“As you know, Fashion Police is a show that pokes fun at celebrities in good spirit, but I do realize that something I said last night did cross the line. I just want everyone to know that I didn’t intend to hurt anybody, but I have learned it’s not my intent that matters. It’s the result. And the result is people are offended, including Zendaya, and that is not okay.
Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya, and anyone else out there that I hurt, that I’m so sincerely sorry. This really has been a learning experience for me. I learned a lot today and this incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of cliches and stereotypes, and how much damage they can do. And that I am responsible, as we all are, to not perpetuate them further.”
Zendaya shared that she had to control herself from bursting out in anger, held back, took her time, and recalled that her parents always taught her that in today’s world, the most powerful weapons are one’s voice and knowledge.
What is Zendaya Currently Doing?
Zendaya had a boost in her acting career when she starred in Disney’s Shake It Up in 2010 and has been on a smooth ride since. She became of the fan-favorites of today’s generation after her starring as MJ in Marvel Studio’s Spider-Man trilogy and other MCU movies. It is rumored that she received an enormous record-breaking salary from her titular role as Rue Bennett in a teen drama tv show Euphoria. Currently, she is preparing for Euphoria season 3, and Dune: Part Two which will be released on November 17, 2023.
She has been on the receiving end of countless accolades such as Primetime Emmy Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and many others, and was nominated for further countless ones.
Source: Twitter
