Short story… Zendaya Coleman looked stunning at the Oscars, then Giuliana Rancic made an ignorant comment about Zendaya on Fashion Police.
Long story… On Fashion Police, Giuliana criticized Zendaya‘s choice to wear her hair in dreadlocks on the red carpet. She said, “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil or weed.” Needless to say, Giuliana’s comment didn’t sit well with Zendaya. She felt it “outrageously offensive” and needed to be “checked.”
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Zendaya, who oozes class, wrote on Instagram:
“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 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.”
“I’ll have you know my father, brother, best childhood friend and little cousin all have locs. Do you know what Ava DuVernay (director of the Oscar nominated film Selma), Ledisi (9 time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and actress), Terry McMillan (author), Vincent Brown (professor of African and African American studies at Harvard University), Heather Andrea Williams (Historian who also posses a JD from Harvard University, and an MA and PhD from Yale University), as well as many other men, women, and children off all races have in common? Locs. None of which smell of marijuana.”
“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. 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 locs are a symbol of strength and beauty, almost like a lion’s mane. I suggest some people should listen to India Arie’s ‘I Am Not My Hair’ and contemplate a little before opening your mouth so quickly to judge.”
Giuliana, who wouldn’t know class if it smacked her in the face, reached out to Zendaya on Twitter. “Dear @Zendaya, I’m sorry I offended you and others. I was referring to a bohemian chic look,” she tweeted. “Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!”
Zendaya garnered support from fans and stars. Khloe Kardashian tweeted to Zendaya, “You are a gorgeous, intelligent young lady! I love all that you represent! Keep empowering and shine bright!” NeNe Leakes, who was in the running for a spot on the Fashion Police panel, retweeted, “@gulianarancic So U had a problem with @NeNeLeakes on Fashion Police, now @Zendaya’s hair. Looks like U have the problem. #classless”
TELL US – TEAM ZENDAYA OR TEAM GIULIANA?
Photo Credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com
