Actress Zendaya poses on the Oscars red carpet on Feb. 22, 2015, in Hollywood, California. (Christopher Polk, Getty Images)

Giuliana Rancic apologizes for ‘weed’ jab at Zendaya’s red-carpet dreadlocks

LOS ANGELES — Giuliana Rancic is apologizing to Zendaya and others offended by Rancic’s “Fashion Police” jab at the actress-singer’s Oscar-night dreadlocks.

On “E! News” Tuesday, Rancic said the reaction to her comments has increased her awareness of, in her words, “cliches and stereotypes.”

They are damaging, she said, adding that she and others have the responsibility to avoid perpetuating them.


Fashion Police busted: See how Zendaya initially responded, and the groundswell of support for her on social media


Giuliana Rancic apologizes for 'weed' jab at Zendaya's red-carpet dreadlocks
Giuliana Rancic. (Ari Perilstein, Getty Images for HSN)

During Monday’s “Fashion Police” on the E! channel, Rancic said that Zendaya’s hair suggested the smell of patchouli oil or marijuana.

Her “E! News” remarks went beyond an apology tweet in which Rancic said her references had nothing to do with race.

Zendaya’s father is African American.

In a long Twitter post, the 18-year-old Zendaya called Rancic’s “Fashion Police” comment about her dreadlocks “outrageously offensive.”