Giuliana Rancic Publicly Apologizes for Offensive Zendaya Comment
The “Fashion Police” co-host apologized after criticizing her dreadlocks.
— -- “Fashion Police” co-host Giuliana Rancic is publicly speaking out, apologizing on air after overwhelming criticism over comments she made about teen actress and former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Zendaya’s Oscar look offensive and racist.
“I’d really like to address something that is weighing very heavy on my heart,” Rancic said on the E! show Tuesday night. “Something I said last night did cross the line. I want to say to Zendaya and anyone else out there that I have hurt that I am so, so sincerely sorry.”
On Monday’s “Fashion Police,” Rancic, 40, commented on Zendaya’s dreadlocks, saying, “She has such a tiny frame to me that this hair overwhelms her. I feel like she smells like patchouli oil, or maybe weed.”
“This incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of clichés and stereotypes, how much damage they can do,” the co-host’s apology continued Tuesday.
Many were calling Rancic out on Twitter for recently praising Kylie Jenner’s dreadlocks, yet poking fun at Zendaya’s.
“How come @KylieJenner dread locks were edgy? And @Zendaya dread locks smelled like weed? @GiulianaRancic ???,” one user tweeted.
Zendaya responded to the original comments about her hair Monday night on Twitter.
“There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful," she began. "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.
“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 continued. “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.”
Rancic’s “Fashion Police” colleague Kelly Osbourne defended Zendaya in a series of tweets, calling the actress a friend.
“I DO NOT CONDONE RACISM SO AS A RSULT OF THIS IM SEREIOULSY QUESTIONONIG STAYING ON THE SHOW!,” Osbourne wrote.
“I just want everyone to know I didn’t intend to hurt anybody but I’ve learned it is not my intent that matters, it’s the result,” said Rancic.
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