ADVERTISEMENT

Stars clash brutally over "racist" comment about singer's dreadlocks

Giuliana made a comment as Zendaya arrived to Sunday's Oscar Awards, claiming, "I feel like she smells smells like patchouli oil… or maybe weed."

E! Fashion Police host, Giuliana Rancic and former Disney star Zendaya Coleman are at war over what the OAP said on the popular fashion TV show two weeks ago.

Giuliana made a comment as Zendaya and her dreadlocks arrived to Sunday's Oscar Awards, claiming, "I feel like she smells smells like patchouli oil… or maybe weed."

The 18-year-old reacted furiously on Twitter, accusing the E! anchor of being 'ignorant, disrespectful and outrageously offensive'.

She wrote:

ADVERTISEMENT

"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."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."

Zedaya's fans immediately demanded for Rancic to apologize on Twitter.

The 40-year-old TV personality tendered in an apology on February 23 for offending the singer, but rebutted claims that what she had said was racist. Rancic wrote:

"Dear @Zendaya, I'm sorry I offended you and others,' she tweeted. 'I was referring to a bohemian chic look. Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!”

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT