Fashion pundit Giuliana Rancic is in hot water after saying Disney actress/pop singer Zendaya “smells like patchouli oil or weed.”
Zendaya showed up on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday “in a figure-hugging ivory-toned Vivienne Westwood slip of a goddess gown,” according to Vogue, “replete with flowing dreadlocks: one part Lisa Bonet, one part Venus de Milo, and all very grown up (which is to say, all very un-Disney).”
The headline for that Vogue piece: “Zendaya Is This Academy Awards’ Breakout Style Star.”
It’s slightly more poetic than Rancic’s comments on Zendaya’s appearance: “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil or weed — yeah, maybe weed?”
Zendaya responded to the comments on Monday night with a passionate piece of writing on her Instagram that included this nugget: “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.”
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 24, 2015
Zendaya’s fans — a Kardashian included — and activists stepped up the campaign on Twitter.
Wow RT @MissAngelaDavis So….even the opening comments about Zendaya's name by @kathygriffin were problematic. pic.twitter.com/mDtpY9W0C0
— Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) February 24, 2015
@Zendaya you are a gorgeous, intelligent young lady! I love all that you represent! Keep empowering and shine bright!
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) February 24, 2015
There was a lot of racism barely masked as jokes about Zendaya. From folks who know exactly what they are doing. Ugh.
— Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) February 24, 2015
Nicki "liked" Zendaya's self-defense post on Instagram. http://t.co/u7GDRy32kO pic.twitter.com/ckY1PFnUTz
— Nicki Minaj News (@NickiDaily) February 24, 2015
Racic responded, also on Monday night, saying the comment “had NOTHING to do with race.”
UPDATE: Rancic took to “E! News” on Tuesday to offer a further apology about her remarks.
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
But Rancic’s apology didn’t ring true with a number of fans:
@GiulianaRancic @Zendaya Bitch please!!!
— teeJay (@TiericaJay_) February 24, 2015
@GiulianaRancic once black Twitter saw it, it was too late.
— Pro Black Melly (@melvinsucks) February 24, 2015
"SORRY I OFFENDED YOU" IS NOT AN APOLOGY. TRY AGAIN @GiulianaRancic @Zendaya
— naomi. (@xeaux) February 24, 2015
@GiulianaRancic SO a bohemian styled person smells of oils and weed?
— Tiara (@AikoDan) February 24, 2015