Following Zendaya Coleman’s gorgeous appearance on the 2015 Oscars red carpet (seen our Style Special, here?), E! News presenter Giuliana Rancic has landed herself in some bother, having insulted Ms Coleman’s dreadlocks during an episode of the popular show, Fashion Police.
Speaking in criticism of the 18-year-old star’s look, which included a stunning and fitted off-shoulder gown by Vivienne Westwood and Chopard jewels, Rancic commented on the singer’s faux locs, saying;
”I feel like she smells like patchouli oil … or maybe weed.”
While the jury’s out on whether or not the slur should be viewed as being racially motivated, the negative comment lead to uproar on Twitter, including from the show’s co-host, Kelly Osbourne, who weighed in on the event, saying in her good friend Zendaya’s defence;
40-year-old presenter Giuliana then posted an apology, in which she makes clear her critique was not about ethnicity;
Zendaya herself, who was dubbed by Vogue.com as the ‘break out style star’ of the 2015 Oscars, then posted an intelligent and considered response on the matter to her own Twitter and Instagram accounts, which we at SPICE can’t help but agree with and applaud;
Shortly after, the whole of Hollywood weighed in on the debate, with stars like Kerry Washington, Viola Davis and Solange Knowles posting messages of support;
Yeah @fashionpolice been bashing my fro for years, @intouchweekly compared it to a dog…and u know what I say? pic.twitter.com/OBvkpw4Vdn
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) February 25, 2015
Giuliana followed Zendaya’s statement by issuing an on-air apology, saying;
“I do understand something I said last night did cross the line. I just want everyone to know that I didn’t intend to hurt anyone, but it is not my intent that matters. It is the result.
…I want to say to Zendaya and anyone else out there that I have hurt that I am so, so sincerely sorry.”
While the presenter’s future at the channel is left shaky for now, we at SPICE think Zendaya did well to draw a line under the comments made against her and to use the spotlight to spread a message of positivity.
But, as we wait to find out what other developments occur in the story, see the full clip of Giuliana’s apology below and tell us what your own response would have been;
Video & image source: Radaronline.com, Centrictv.com, @Solangeknowles, @Violadavis, @Kerrywashington
