'Fashion Police' Cast & Instagram 2015: Actress Zendaya Slams Giuliana Rancic Over 'Ignorant Slurs'
On Monday, Feb. 23, actress and singer Zendaya Coleman took to Instagram to slam "Fashion Police" host Giuliana Rancic for saying what she describes as "ignorant slurs" about her dreadlocks at the Oscars.
During the latest episode of "Fashion Police" Rancic expressed her dislike towards Coleman's faux locs and commented that the Disney star's hair probably smells like "patchouli oil...or maybe weed," Us Weekly reports.
Coleman caught wind of Rancic's comments and retaliated on Instagram with a long message about embracing her African American heritage while describing the E! News host as ignorant.
"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," Coleman wrote, adding, "There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair."
Check out Coleman's full Instagram message below.
A photo posted by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Feb 23, 2015 at 8:20pm PST
Although Coleman normally does not wear her hair in locs, she opted to embrace her roots and her family's tradition of wearing locs at this year's Oscars.
Coleman explained that her decision to wear locs on the red carpet was an effort to break the stereotype of African American hair being seen as "less than" or not beautiful.
Prior to slamming Rancic, Coleman posted a side by side photo of her Oscar's locs and a photo of Lisa Bonet, who has famously worn locs throughout her acting career.
Coleman commented on Instagram that her inspiration for her Oscar's hairdo was in fact Lisa Bonet, HollywoodLife.com reports. Check out the photo below.
Inspiration @luxurylaw @shelbeniece A photo posted by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Feb 22, 2015 at 8:25pm PST
Rancic has since apologized to Coleman on Twitter. It is unclear whether Coleman has accepted her apology.
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
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