During Sunday’s Oscars red carpet coverage I predicted that some “eurocentric” media outlet would make an offensive remark about Zendaya Coleman‘s hair. Unfortunately, the comment was made by co-host Giuliana Rancic on E!’s popular fashion program Fashion Police. Giuliana said that Zendaya’s hair made her look like she smelled of “patchouli oil and weed”. The late Joan Rivers made Fashion Police a household name by making snarky sometimes brutal commentary about celebrity fashions however, I’m sorry Giuliana Rancic does not get the same hall pass!
The off-color remark about an 18 year old teenager was completely distasteful and sparked a social media firestorm!
Zendaya, who typically does not respond and remains above the social media fray was so insulted she responded to the distasteful comments and posted a letter defending her beautiful locs and basically calling the co-host racist for making the “joke”:
Guiliana responded with what she thought was an apology:
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!!! — Giuliana Rancic (@GiulianaRancic) February 24, 2015
Here are some of the comments from social media:
