Zendaya’s latest response to Giuliana Rancic is pretty amazing

Giuliana Rancic

Yesterday we covered Zendaya calling out Giuliana Rancic for mocking her dreadlocks on Fashion Police. Giuliana was widely criticized for saying Z smelled like “patchouli oil and weed.” After Zendaya’s eloquent response, Giuliana made an extended, somber apology. She seemed sincere, and I was ready to let the matter go.

During the Fashion Police episode in which Giuliana mocked Zendaya, Kelly Osbourne was the only cast member who appeared annoyed and didn’t laugh. Us Weekly says Kelly’s disgust was due to the fact that Giuliana ignored Kelly’s warnings not to do the bit. A member of the live audience told Us, “They did the Zendaya segment three times. Three different takes. On the first two takes, Kelly said ‘Guys, we can’t say this. Zendaya is a friend of the show.’ Giuliana said the words ‘patchouli oil’ and ‘weed’ three times. They all heard the three takes.

This new information makes Giuliana’s original comments even more awkward. I’m curious about Kelly’s warnings. She realized Giuliana’s comments were awful. Did she only speak up because Zendaya is a friend of the show? Maybe that’s the only way she thought Giuliana could be convinced. Whatever the case, Kelly’s opinion didn’t matter. Giuliana kept repeating herself.

Zendaya has accepted Giuliana’s second apology with another amazing response:

“Studies have shown that even though we try to act without prejudice, sometimes it’s just hidden inside us due to our past or surroundings. That hidden prejudice is often influential in our actions. It’s our job to spot these issues within others and ourselves and destroy them before they become hurtful. I have so many people looking up to me, that I couldn’t be scared, wait it out, nor could I just stand up for me; I had to do it for WE. It is important in this journey to remember that just because someone has inflicted hurt upon us, it does not give us the right to do the same. Body shaming and other hurtful tactics will never get the job done. As hard as it was to stop MYSELF from being ignorant and from posting the first mean words that came to my mind because I was hurt, I had to think about the bigger picture. Instead I sat for two hours on my phone, doing my research and formulating an educated response. Giuliana, I appreciate your apology and I’m glad it was a learning experience for you and for the network. I hope that others negatively affected by her words can also find it in their hearts to accept her apology as well. From a quote we all know by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ Let’s be that light and spread that love.”

[From Zendaya Coleman on Instagram]

Zendaya’s only 18 years old, and she’s critically thinking and teaching by example. I can’t imagine any other teenager stepping back and collecting her thoughts for hours. Most teens — most people, actually — would’ve fired off a few indignant tweets and some middle-finger emoji. Z’s proven herself able to handle difficult issues like the Aaliyah biopic mess with enviable grace.

P.S. I never talked about this red and pink Rubin dress that Zendaya wore at NYFW. She walked in the Go Red For Women show, and this dress is prom-y but awesome.

Zendaya

Zendaya

Kelly Osbourne

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet & WENN

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

200 Responses to “Zendaya’s latest response to Giuliana Rancic is pretty amazing”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. CharlotteCHARLOTTE says:

    This drama is the first time I’ve heard of Zendaya, but she seems like a great person.

    • phlyfiremama says:

      Seriously. I will be tracking this amazing seeming woman from here on out!!

    • FLORC says:

      1st time I heard of her was the drama from the Aaliyah biopic. She seems like a very well put together woman. Even if only 18 she’s speaking like she has decades of maturity and knowledge.
      I like her. Can’t say if she’s a great actress, but she’s certainly role model material.

      • Bella bella says:

        Am I the only cynic who thinks Zendaya is not the author of her posts?

      • BooBooLaRue says:

        @Bella bella: maybe she is not the author, even so, whomever is on her PR team is well spoken and thoughtful.

      • Stoner says:

        Nope.

      • @Bella bella, then she’s smart enough to hire them and not act in a way (at least right now) that contradicts what they’re saying on her behalf.

      • deehunn says:

        @Bella Bella–

        She is the author of these posts. I have known who she is since last year since she was so outspoken regarding her responsibility of a role model growing up on TV (either Nick or Disney, I forget which one) and dressing responsibility and not feeling the need to prove that she is grown through scandalous clothes/nudity. I loved that she was so perceptive about her influence on her young fans at such a young age.

        She even said she spent hours on her phone researching her answer. She may have had others look over it and put in input but I truly believe she is the author of these statements.

        I am a huge fan of hers and she is a paragon of how young starlets should behave. GO ZENDAYA!!!!

      • Judy says:

        @Bellabella. I don’t know her but I know of her. My kids have friends who know her. They follow her because she’s from here in the Bay Area and because she went to OSA in Oakland. By all accounts she is not only smart but well spoken. I read her response and I don’t see anything to indicate she is not the writer. Had my seventeen year old written those words i would not have been surprised. I don’t know what you think of eighteen year olds but many are now in the process of writing their admission essays to college. Maybe you’re holding her to a young celebrity standard and measuring her against their silly tweets and rants, and maybe that is what you expected Zendaya’s response to be and you’re surprised that it’s not. However, given the serious nature if Rancic’s statement I wholly believe that this is Zendaya’s thoughtful response.

      • MtnRunner says:

        She done been raised right.

      • Bella bella says:

        @Judy, Actually, I work with young people as a tutor — helping them prepare for their SAT essays and with writing their admissions essays to colleges. My experience is writing skills have degenerated over the decades. No one would be more thrilled than I to learn that she wrote these responses herself. I also am aware that she is a marketing package with a whole team behind her image, so I would not be surprised if someone else wrote something that Zendaya signed. Either way, she and her people know what they are doing.

    • BaeOnBoard says:

      Isn’t she just the cutest thing?

    • BooBooLaRue says:

      Right? Never heard of her, but great and yes, amazing response. Well done!

    • joan says:

      This is a glaring example of how people can’t bother to watch the video before taking sides.

      What REALLY happened is, first thing KG said “When I think of Oscars I automatically think of big stars like Tom Cruise . . . and Zendaya!” They all laughed at Z’s irrelevance at the Oscars. And that’s what Z. is really upset about, but she can’t play the Ego Card so she plays the Race Card instead.

      Zendaya played the Race Card very shrewdly here BUT if you actually watch the video you’ll see it isn’t like it’s been portrayed.

      GR said “patchouli” and another voice said “and weed” and GR repeated that as they all laughed. It sounded like KO to me. Then KO gets all righteous and no one else comes to GR’s defense. This is a sign of lack of solidarity of the cast.

      Z. was treated great when she was on the show [with Joan] and soaked up the praise, but I got the feeling that she’s a precocious little actress who you would not want to CROSS.

      Then this.

      • Evelyn says:

        Joan, it’s not “pulling the race card” when someone makes a derogatory remark about your appearance based on your race. Dreads have more significance than most people realize, they were basically calling her a pot head because of her hair.
        For what it’s worth, I thought the hair game at the oscars was DULL and her hair looked great

      • Amy says:

        Lol, I’m always so amused by how triumphantly someone accuses someone else of pulling the race card.

        It really makes some people twitch and itch when see someone who’s educated enough to know their history and spot the BS others try to quietly sell. I guess pulling the race card is what you call it when black individials intellectually demolish those who’d try to silence and misrepresent them.

      • jaye says:

        Well said Amy!

      • Miss Guest says:

        I’m biracial and I thought she pulled it. The only people who wear big old dreds instead of tiny locs are people who are into rasta culture–that includes white people. Toni Morrison, Miz MacMillan, Whoopie–they aren’t wearing large rasta styled locs and guess what? Neither is her dad!

    • Enui says:

      i do not have a hard time believing she wrote it by herself. There are a lot of teens/ young adults who are smart, sensitive, and articulate. The reason we don’t hear more about them is because a) reasonable doesn’t make headlines and b) most of them are still in school, getting an education.

      We see dumb a lot, because the Justin Beibers, Kardashian scourge and Lohan are what are presented to us as the voices for the new generation. Luckily for us, they’re not.

      Source: mom of teens who seems what they and their friends are doing, and how they think.

      • deehunn says:

        also since I already knew who she was and how careful she is in selecting clothing for her often very young viewers. She believes in social responsibility.

        @Joan do your research before you open your mouth. Just because you don’t know who she is doesn’t mean what she is saying isn’t valid or is motivated by ambition.

    • Erin says:

      She was runner up on Dancing with the Stars a couple of years ago…she was about 16 or 17 at the time. She was excellent. Since she was on a show for young teens, I wasn’t familiar with her either, but she seems very mature and talented.

  2. spaniard says:

    Wow, I’m really impressed for her response to this whole mess. Especially from an 18YO girl. She is young and awesome, KUDOS. She could have snapped back at this Rancic woman with something about her more than obvious eating disorder (I would have done that, I’m a mess and she is a winner)

    OTH she looks beautiful with or without locks, I love the red dress.

    • Anna says:

      Same! My first reaction would have been to insult her and give a really petty response but I’m glad Zendaya did it this way. She comes out of this looking like the smarter, bigger person and she’s gained so much support. So many celebrities have sent Zendaya nice messages and have gone on her side, I think it’s amazing.

      • mom2two says:

        It would be the same for me, I would have had a classless response to her as well. Zendaya, who much younger than me, has way more class and grace. Good for her!

    • Stef Leppard says:

      That was a beautiful response. She is a wonderful role models for young girls. I’ll be keeping my eye on her.

    • denisemich says:

      Good Response.

      Zendaya used to be guest host on FP when Joan was alive. It would seem she could have called Giuliana. But I am beginning to think Guiliana has said suspect things to her face before this incident that weren’t public.

    • angelique says:

      Speaking of hair, Kelly’s current do looks like a purple dog took a sh*t on her head.

  3. Loopy says:

    Three takes?? Just how scripted is the show, I remember when Joan used to fire off her critiques they all seemed generally shocked, but she was a quick comedienne.

    • Kim1 says:

      Almost every joke Joan made was scripted.She had a team of writers who sued Enews and her because they weren’t being paid fairly.I have an acquaintance who attended a taping about three years ago.He said the taping took about 4 hrs for one hour show.The head writer would talk to Joan during tape tweaking jokes.Sharon Osborne said they always tape a day or two before show airs.Since it was the Oscars they may taped Monday morning.

    • KB says:

      Joan’s jokes were so uncomfortable to watch. The setup was always so obvious and awkward and then they’d laugh and pretend to be shocked. I couldn’t watch it.

      Kathy’s jokes are scripted too, but the banter in between feels much more natural.

      • angelique says:

        Joan was the funniest woman EVER, scripted or unscripted.

      • iLoveMyPug says:

        I do wonder if Joan would get half the flack if this comment came out of her mouth. I recall her saying some pretty below the belt stuff about deceased celebs, etc

  4. Ginger says:

    Wow! I didn’t realize she was just 18. She is a very wise young lady. Her responses have been spot on. I give her all the credit.

  5. ray says:

    I’m by no means a fan of Kelly Osbourne but props to her for calling her out. Even if it was ineffective.

    • insomniac says:

      Same here. I rolled my eyes when I thought Kelly was trying to make this all about her, but if she really did try to warn them off that, then good for her (and I can’t blame her for being really pissed, either).

    • BengalCat2000 says:

      I’m glad to know this. I never liked Kelly, but I’m glad she wasn’t being as self-serving as I first thought. However, the cynic in me thinks all these apologies are happening only to save their jobs.

  6. Cleveland Girl says:

    I do not understand this story at all. ALL Fashion Police does is kiss ass to some celebrities, and have NO problem totally offending others. This is nothing new. What is the big deal??? Joan used to say the meanest things on a daily basis and no one really cared. I honestly don’t know what all this fuss is about…

    • Babalon says:

      If you don’t know what all this ‘fuss is about,’ you’re probably oblivious to passive racism, and your privilege. You might want to work on that.

      • Cleveland Girl says:

        Wrong! FP offends everyone is what I was saying…don’t go projecting on me. This has nothing to do with race – it has to do with a panel of people who continue to offend others and this is the first time they have been called out.

      • kcarp says:

        How is your comment any better than the dreds comment? You assume that someone who doesn’t understand the racism of a comment is privileged? How do you know she didn’t grow up in a homeless shelter or is currently living in a car using the library for internet? How do you know?

        Just because you are “oh so aware,” and can identify racism everywhere does not mean you get to call people out or advise them on what they should work on.

        This is the problem, everyone jumps on their soap box and anyone who doesn’t agree with them is free game. Kelly Osborne was calling people fat a couple of years ago, she is no paragon of kindness.

      • Crumpet says:

        This is the very type of response Zendaya was warning about.

      • Milena says:

        Any time someone says ‘this is has nothing to do with race,’ it’s usually a red flag that it does.

      • Kip says:

        @Milena – exactly, ITA

      • V4Real says:

        Hey guys relax, yall need to have some patchouli oil and weed and chill out. 🙂

      • Enui says:

        Most likely the ire comes from the fact when white women wore locs, they were deemed “edgy”. When a woc wore locs, she was judged in a negative light.

        It looks like race to me when the same hair style evokes two radically different responses in the same people.

    • Santia says:

      The big deal is that racially insensitive stuff should not be tolerated. The big deal is that they praised white celebrities’ appropriation of locs, but condemned a black woman for wearing them. As Zendaya says, if people keep looking the other way — even under the guise of “humor — society will never get better that way.

      • joy says:

        To me it referenced hippy white kids who…..wait for it…..smell like weed and patchouli. And we all know you can’t offend white people so I didn’t get butt hurt. And let’s not forget, this is weave people are flipping out over. If we’re going to flip out over racism, let’s worry about actual racism, not a casual comment over a girl who had a pixie cut a week ago.

      • tifzlan says:

        Joy, the comment made by G Rancic has its consequences in everyday life, where black people who wear their hair naturally are already profiled and discriminated against, never mind faux locs. People are also (conveniently) forgetting that G sang a radically different tune when she talked about WHITE celebrities who wore dreads too, calling them “cool” and “edgy.” So this IS “actual racism,” OR at the very least, has very strong racial undertones.

      • Anna says:

        @ Joy this is “casual” racism but it’s still racism. It’s unfortunate that you can’t see how offensive her remarks were. Who cares if it’s fake hair??? It’s still a hurtful comment. Black women have been shamed for years no matter what hairstyles they have, fake or not it doesn’t make a difference

      • uninspired username says:

        Joy, it doesn’t actually matter what the comment meant to you. 🙂

      • maeliz says:

        @santia, this wasn’t about race. All people wear dreadlocks, not just blacks. First thing I thought of when I heard what GR said, was hippies. Don’t worry, this wasn’t racism. Time to move on from her hair comment

      • littlemissnaughty says:

        @joy and maeliz: Where do you guys live that the first thing that comes to mind after a comment like this is hippies??? And just because you thought of hippies does not mean that’s the most common association. It’s not. This is a hairstyle worn predominantly (and by a huge margin I mean) by black people. I have no idea why you don’t get this but most people don’t think “oh, hippies”. It was offensive. Period.

      • buzz says:

        This is a concept that is a little too sophisticated for some to understand.

      • Kloops says:

        Just because FP is offensive to many celebrities doesn’t make GR’s comment not racist. She can be generally offensive to a wide segment of people without racial overtones and yet still racist to one young woman in particular. Her prior offensiveness isn’t a free pass to be make racially insensitive remarks under the guise that it’s all in good fun.

      • WardLittell says:

        LittleMissNaughty
        May I drag us a little to one side here, and add a thought I had, after following this story? (The story itself is clear enough, so I’m not leaping in or seeking to prolong any argument. Just an infomercial, I guess!)

        It’s just that outside America, there certainly ARE people who associate dreadlocks with ‘white Rastas’ as a first reaction, in a kind of vacuum.
        These modern hippies (aka ‘Crusties’) are stereotypically down-at-heel, roll-up smoking wannabe-wastrels, some with astounding henna-caked (I mean literally, left on to dry out, hence the name ‘Crusties’) dreads that would double as rose fertiliser if the need were pressing; very possibly doused in patchouli oil rather than Calvin Klein, and are seen hanging around the place with skinny dogs on string leashes.
        This is a very commonly known stereotype in Britain and Ireland…..and one I would have no difficulty imagining being a Kelly Osbourne (ie British) observation. Or maybe even her mother’s, as it’s a lazy, rather out of date (not to mention anything worse) cliché anyway.

        So, it made me wonder if Kelly The Brit had said it first, and swiftly realised her error, only for GR to flog it to death and reap the whirlwind. (Dig my mixed metaphors; and apologies for rambling on)

      • Erin says:

        Very true. Maybe if more of the insulted celebs called them out, it would make them clean up their act, a bit. The reason this particular item is getting publicity is because Zendaya called them out. It’s true that sometimes people go overboard on the pc stuff, but Fashion Police is pretty disgusting. E knows that if they get enough celebs upset with them, it will hurt their entire network. I also thought Kathy Griffin repeatedly saying she had never heard of her, was rather insulting. She was making fun of Zendaya’s right to be there. As for Rancic, she get’s harder to take, everytime I see her.

    • Talie says:

      E! doesn’t care either. They re-ran the show yesterday. Ratings, ratings, ratings…

    • MeganMegan says:

      I think Guilana’s comments were about stereotypes of the Rastafari faith rather than racism. Sadly, the context for why Rastas do not cut their hair and how the ceremonial use of cannabis fits into their faith is not widely understood . As a result, Rastas are often marginalized as a fringe group and, therefore, subject to mockery born of ignorance.

      • Stoner says:

        I actually took it as a jab against the dirty white hippie stereotype.

      • angie says:

        So did I, Stoner. Patchouli oil isn’t part of any African-American or Rasta stereotyping, as far as I’m aware. But dirty white hippy? Absolutely.

  7. PassiveAggressiveSubmissive says:

    Wow she is an amazing articulate young women and completely right about unconscious bias.

    I get profiled all the time – in the sense that I’m black (British), well spoken (which apparently means I went to public/private school or had elocution lessons!!!) and with a shaved head (I get asked if I’m a lesbian or sick or blah blah… no my hair just decided to fall out and I couldn’t be bothered to wear a wig).

    It really can take a lot to step back when hurt and not respond with a mean catty comment – so yes I applaud her for her heartfelt informed responses.

  8. Lilacflowers says:

    What a reasonable, rational, cool young woman Zendaya seems to be. Now, can everyone just move on, as she suggests?

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Agree, and agree. I especially liked her quote from Dr. King. Very mature young lady.

  9. Lucy2 says:

    I love this girl. She sounds intelligent, strong, and very thoughtful. I really hope young girls look to her as an example through this, as her responses have been pure class.

  10. GiGi says:

    She is wise beyond her years and is displaying so much grace in a time when “celebrities” shoot their mouths off on social media and engage in twitter wars seemingly non-stop.

    The hair issue is real. In my mind, hair is off limits. If Giuliana had said, “I love the dress, but I’m not wild about the styling,” that would’ve been one thing. But to perpetuate the type of nonsense she did – mmmm. I’m glad she did offer such a heart felt apology, but am kind of incredulous that she’s made it this far in life without being aware of these issues.

    • jaye says:

      What baffles me is why she (Rancic) felt the need to go there. She started off by saying that she thought Zendaya’s hair looked too heavy for her small frame. Why couldn’t she just leave it at that.

  11. tx_mom says:

    Great response! Because when someone offends out of bigotry, it doesn’t hurt just one person but an entire community. Way to go, Zendaya!

    • Amy says:

      This. Unfortunately when one individual who is in the public eye faces an issue they have to say something for the greater community. A lot of people were confused on this site about why Kevin Hart wrote a response to the Sony Hacking Scandal and I believe Zendaya’s response reveals why many feel the need to do so. You speak up for the people who aren’t lucky enough to be in your position and depend on you to achieve something.

  12. Santia says:

    I bet she got rave reviews for the straight hairstyle she wore with the red dress.

    • dr mantis toboggan says:

      Nobody was talking about her before this

      • Amy says:

        I’m so glad you two found each other.

      • Santia says:

        Just because YOU didn’t know who she was, doesn’t mean she didn’t have a following. I’ve known about Zendaya for years; most people with kids do, as she’s been in many kids’ shows and also on Dancing with the Stars.

      • jaye says:

        Lots of people knew who she was before this. In fact, she’s been on FP a couple of times.

      • jwoolman says:

        She’s well known if you or your kids watch the Disney Channel. She starred on Shake It Up, a popular dance -show-within-a-sitcom, for several years and now is starring in another sitcom about a teenage spy with spy parents (yeah, I know, dumb idea but she’s good in everything she does anyway). She also has been in Disney movies (at least made for TV ones, don’t know about others) and music videos. She’ll probably have some awkward years between kid actor and adult if she stays in the acting business (she can still play younger than she is right now), but she has other interests and skills so she is unlikely to go off the rails trying to prove how grownup she is (the sad fate of too many).

    • Nola says:

      Preach. You know that’s the truth.

      @Dr she might not have been on your rader but she has been featured in various fashion related articles and Fashion police. The other times they’ve talked about her outfits they’ve never made comments about her hair in this manner.

      • Stoner says:

        For all of her faults, Joan was VERY fond of Zendaya – I bet she would have squashed that comment.

    • TheOnlyDee says:

      She said she likes Zendaya’s style, and likes it better when she has “the little hair.” The. Little. Hair. -_-

  13. maeliz says:

    I didn’t know who this girl was , but now more of us do. Apology was made, move on.

    • joy says:

      Amen. People are doing a mountain out of a molehill thing here. It’s weave that she had put on for the event. It’s not like she’s been growing them for 20 years for some religious reason.

      • tifzlan says:

        ? There’s no need to have a religious reason to wear dreads and dreads certainly were in use long before Rastafarianism came to be. People are rightfully upset about what G said, although i do think G’s apology was sincere and we should accept and be happy that she learnt from this controversy.

      • Adrien says:

        Y’know, this isn’t the first time Rancic made a racist remarks. She once asked Aziz to dance Bollywood style. She cannot be bothered to say Quvenzhane Wallis’ full name. It’s important to make a fuss out of this to stop her from making ignorant remarks.

      • Tdub30 says:

        @Joy, you’re entitled to your opinion but here’s a bit of backstory on this particular issue for you. Zendaya’s father (a black man) wears locks. Perhaps, just maybe, this is why she was hurt and offended. As was stated up thread, this isn’t just about this young lady and her fake hair(as you suggested). This comment was offensive to ALL people who have this look and DO NOT partake in smoking. Please stop dismissing it out of hand as if you’re personally offended that many others were offended by a totally thoughtless and absolutely subtly (or not so subtly) racist remark.

      • msw says:

        Wtf???

    • Kip says:

      I don’t understand why everyone who is calling to move on/doesn’t get this issue apparently cares enough to keep commenting “move on” on this thread.

      • belle de jour says:

        Whenever I see the annoying directive ‘move on’ in an open forum conversation, it always reeks to me; not of patchouli oil, but as a whiff of self-deputised and entitled censorship.

        I reckon the folks who would like everyone to move on may certainly do so themselves… and that anyone still interested in discussing the topic – possibly in further depth or detail beyond the surfaces already mined – has every right to continue the discussion.

  14. Christin says:

    I have never understood GR’s appeal. Ever.

    • MrsBPitt says:

      Christin, I’m with you!!! I’ve never cared for GR…she is not a great interviewer, doesn’t have a great personality….I don’t understand how or why she is on TV! I’m thinking she must be related to someone in a powerful position in TV…that is the only explanation I can come up with!

      I watched Zendaya on Dancing With the Stars (I had never heard of her before that…no kids or teens left in my house to watch Disney) and I was very impressed with the maturity of this young girl! She seems like a really good role model for the younger generation. I hope her career thrives!!

  15. Sirsnarksalot says:

    Her publicist wrote that, let’s get real. It’s a nice sentiment but people love to watch gossip and fashions shows and their snarky takedowns so it’s not like things will change. Half this site is dedicated to snarking on celeb fashions so we are just as much to blame for the takedown culture. You can scrub the racism out of it but tearing women apart for how they look is still holding us back.

    • Amy says:

      All I’ll say is that she did in fact write it based on the intelligent and well thought out interviews she’s give in the past. She’s a really smart kid.

    • Guesto says:

      I’m sure her publicist had a hand in it but really, what’s important is the message, rather than the author – and the message is that this 18yr old girl wants to let it be known that, rather than go low, she would rather meet moronic prejudice with thoughtful dignity.

  16. Dońt kill me i'm french says:

    Since that Rancic is a Brangelinaloonie ,I’m pretty sure she thinks Angie’s dreadlocks in 60 Seconds movie with NicCage didn’t smell “heroin” or “weed”

  17. FKA Pri says:

    Actually Z’s got a pretty good sense of ‘style’ in my imo. She can go cutesy to edgy quite easily and does so often; and with little for me personally to crib about. (I’m no FP but just saying, hehe)

    I have followed her fashion but never really heard her speak. Her response, both times, was quite eloquent and effective.

  18. Amy says:

    I know some people will detract from her amazing comment but as someone who had to write her own letter to a well-meaning but totally ignorant friend long before Twitter existed I get it. I know what went through her having to hold back from lashing out in ignorance and simply choosing to inform.

    Honestly all the praise to her for that. She’s right. A lot of people will NEVER get it, they’ll choose to hide behind the cloak and refuse to put themselves in other’s position. That’s fine, but as a young woman in the public eye I’m glad she has refused to allow herself to be brow-beaten for wearing that hairstyle and defend all the others, young children and old, who are told everyday that clean well kept beautiful hairstyles are dirty, awkward, or messy.

    I wish her the best with her career field. She’s also working as an executive producer I believe? For her Disney show, so clearly she’s got her head screwed on right. A lot of people will still refuse to listen or try to understand but at least a strong and determined statement was issued by her twice for those individuals who won’t have the power or freedom to also respond to the ignorance they face. Fingers crossed for her.

  19. Luca76 says:

    What an amazing young woman!

  20. Megan says:

    She is only 18? And is able to be this composed and thoughtful? That is impressive. I am 32 and I just sit in silence and become silently enraged at work because of a bitchy idiot co-worker and she just is a pain never has she offended me or my culture on national television. Not sure I could do what she did. So very impressive young girl- she obviously won’t be going down the Disney cursed route.

    Quick thing, I watched the show and I am pretty sure Kelly laughed at the comment. I don’t remember her getting upset. She seemed fine with it. She even made a joke about coachella. So sorry i don’t believe the US Weekly story. I think she has gotten some heat because she mocked her braids on the carpet and is trying to distance herself from the story.

    Final comment the hair jokes were inappropriate and ill advised. They were also pointless if they wanted to say bad stuff about her, they should have talked about there dress. She looked stunning except her dress, she was in a bad dress they had places to critique her and it didn’t need to be anything that would have truly hurt her. Because lets be honest who gets that hurt if GR goes you know I really didn’t like the dress the fit was off and it was to old for her. NO ONE!

  21. Marigold says:

    Has anyone heard from Kathy Griffin on this mess? Because I am dying to know if she will own up to the “or weed” comment (as the 3rd woman mic’d in that room). It sounded an AWFUL LOT like Kelly and with all this “I WILL QUIT” drama, I can’t help but wonder if the woman doth protest too much…and plants a nice story in US to distract people…

    • RobN says:

      KG is conspicuously silent.

      • angie says:

        Maybe that’s because Zendaya wisely didn’t call her out. She seems like someone who not only would never apologize for a joke but would come back full barrel at the offended one. If you’ve ever seen her stand up act, you know she has no compunction about making fun of celebrities.

      • RobN says:

        I doubt it was because Zendaya was afraid to take KG on. More like KG being smart enough to know that somebody could lose a career out of this mess and she’d just as soon it wasn’t her. If KG was a stand up person, she’d stand up and take her share of the s-storm, but she’s not going to do that. Perfectly happy to let Rancic twist in the wind by herself.

      • angie says:

        Good point RobN, even if it does contain a groaner of a pun.

      • Marigold says:

        Or maybe Kathy didn’t say it. I always thought she had a very distinct voice and “or weed” didn’t really sound like her to me. I notice Kelly didn’t say “that was Kathy!” I don’t know. I just don’t buy that Kelly is as innocent as she’s claiming to be.

      • JenniferJustice says:

        Blinds say Kelly is marginally friends with Zendaya, but flew off the hook about Rancic’s comments because she is wanting attention for herself. Everbody on FP has expanded their career beyong being a commentator for FP or they already had a career to begin with (Joan, Kathy). Apparently cast and crew are laughing at her threats to quit the show – to do what? I beleive it. Kelly is rude, crude, and self-entitled, not to mention a total hypocrate. How many times did she call out the “fatties” on FP after she cried about being called fat, but then lost the weight and decided it was okay to piss on heavier people? She has zero credibility. Her hissy fit was all for herself.

      • Inconceivable! says:

        I’m surprised the “and weed” joke made it to air if the critique of Z’s look took three takes. I read the weed joke was made three times too. That means Kelly Osbourne had three opportunities to squash the joke as it happened, instead she waited for people to tweet their outrage then she began her 24 hour countdown clock to GR.

  22. bella says:

    i knew zendaya had something quite special about her when i saw her perform on dancing with the stars (preemptive apology to those who may think i’m not cool for watching DWTS but it can be quite enjoyable ☺️).
    she is wise beyond her years…an old soul…
    poised and lovely.
    who’d expect such an introspective response to rudeness and prejudice from an 18 y.o.?
    i’m surprised E! let this make it on air even in light of all the other rude comments made during fashion police.
    this was different and not wasted on zendaya.
    she has raised awareness with dignity.

  23. Adrien says:

    Rancic’s original apology was even more racist. She said she was pertaining to her “bohemian” look. Lol. Zendaya’s culture is bohemian now. It only becomes bohemian if white people wear them (dreadlocks).

    • Enui says:

      I think that’s something that we, as a society, really need to work on. I would guess that GR doesn’t see herself as racist, would be deeply hurt if someone told her she was racist, but yet she made racist comments. We are so enculturated to accept racism, that it is difficult for people to see it when it happens….. and it is an insidious erosion of other human beings to the status of “other”.

  24. original kay says:

    I don’t think the argument “Kelly says mean things, or has in the past” plays here.
    Do our past actions always dictate our future responses?

    sometimes, but not always. Kelly has been mean in the past, fat shaming, etc, but here she stepped up, so kudos to her. Let’s hope she has grown up some, from her association with Zendaya.

    Perhaps this situation will further to help Fashion Police grow into a new era of opinions with validity, opposed to opinions for shock value.

  25. Jan Harf says:

    She is so beautiful and a wonderful, thoughtful writer. I’m beyond taken away with her.

  26. TX says:

    I’m curious how she got her hair like that, Can someone enlighten me?

    They arnt natural locks, right? Because her hair was straight the week before.

    • bella says:

      zendaya is biracial – her dad is black and her mom is white.
      this young lady is spectacular – talented and wise.
      I wish her a long successful career.
      I think she’s got many wonderful things ahead…

    • AlmondJoy says:

      TX: faux locs are done by braiding the hair and then wrappping a certain type of hair around each braid. It takes hours to do, but the result is very beautiful. It’s in style at the moment, and I know many young women that have them.

      • TX says:

        Thanks! Yes, I agree they are awesome. I just have only known people who have locks that took years and years, I had no clue there was an “express” way to get them. Very cool!

    • Dani2 says:

      I’ve had faux locs in myself and my hairstylist used a special type of hair extension called kanekalon hair. You do it by braiding your hair first and then wrapping the braid, it took 8 hours for it to get done so it takes a while but it’s still a lot less high maintenance than having dreadlocks. People associate having dreadlocks with having dirty, unkept hair but it’s the one of the most high-maintenance hair I can personally think of.

      • jaye says:

        As someone who had locs at one time, I can attest to the fact that having them requires a LOT of maintenance.

      • Beckysuz says:

        8 hours? Wow that’s crazy! I would never have the patience for that. I can barely be bothered to wash my hair more than once a week😁

  27. Pandy says:

    God, I hope this thread is finished. Should have been done yesterday.

    • RobN says:

      Not a chance. There’s a controversy timeline that must be followed. Offensive comment, outrage, apology, issue goes viral, many gin up some fake outrage and join those genuinely upset, public decides apology wasn’t good enough, second really, really sincere apology follows and then we form a national consensus regarding whether to ruin the offending party’s life and career.

      Unfortunately for Rancic, the Oscars were a boring and predictable mess and there isn’t much else going on. The industry abhors a vacuum, even if it means cannibalizing one of their own.

    • Pandy says:

      You nailed it!

  28. GingerCrunch says:

    Wait a minute. What’s up with the dig on body shaming? Seems to me that was a pretty personal reference against Rancic and a way to say something without saying something. Don’t get me wrong. The response is great, but I thought it coulda done without that shade.

    • Amy says:

      When this topic blew up a lot of people had words for Rancic commenting on everything from her name, to her face, to her weight. I think its honest for Zendaya to admit she could have hit any of those targets in her anger and instead had to resist.

      • GingerCrunch says:

        But if she’s coming from this place of being above it all and elevating everyone, I don’t think that little jab was necessary.

      • angie says:

        I agree with GingerCrush. When you admit that you could have said mean things and then list the mean things you could have said, you’re actually saying the mean things. It’s really not fair to try and have things both ways–extract an apology or two and then hit back while accepting the apology.

    • OriginallyBlue says:

      She never said she would have body shamed her. She is saying that people need to rise above petty hurtful comments in order to get their point across. She was referring to the fact that people on Twitter in order to defend Zendaya’s dragged GR and made comments about her having cancer and about how skinny she is (comparing her to an ironing board, a backslash and other stuff)

    • belle de jour says:

      Yes, precisely. It’s also an old courtroom & debate/rhetoric trick to introduce a topic, doubt, comment, observation etc. without taking – or even ostensibly and directly denying – ownership of it.

  29. niliada says:

    Zendaya herself has co-hosted the Fashion Police 3 times when Joan Rivers was alive, and the times she was on, she was laughing and making fun of other people too. So she is suddenly offended because the Fashion Police picked on her? What about the times she co-hosted the show 3 times and mocked others? This little girl is a hypocrite really. Also, side-eyeing the fact that she is only 18 and is pals with Kelly Obsbourne, a 30 something year old woman.
    Giluana was just plain stupid, and Kelly has the nerve to throw her under the bus and threaten to quit the FP? HA! Whats’s Kelly gonna do? Since she has no talent or any other skills for other jobs.

    • AlmondJoy says:

      “Picking” on a person’s outfit is completely different from attacking a hairstyle and making stereotypical comments about it. Furthermore, when I watched the Fashion Police episode she was on, she seemed pretty nervous and uncomfortable about saying anything offensive and even found a way to compliment outfits that she didn’t really like. I vividly remembering her covering her face and being embarassed at many of the things that were said. My friend who was also watching it said “Zendaya is way too nice for this show.”

    • Amy says:

      You do understand there’s a way to poke fun at people’s fashion choices without making comments that insult them based on their race or make subtle inferences to what that hairstyle means based on stereotypes?

      Right? Like you do get that right?

    • jaye says:

      I’ve seen a few of the episodes she was on and she NEVER made fun of someone. She commented on their fashion and DID seem uncomfortable with the more mean spirited comments.

    • niliada says:

      @ Everyone
      Well she still appeared on the show and did in a way participate in making fun of others. So yes, she is a hypocrite for getting mad at Giulauna Ranic for mocking her, when she herself has appeared as a co-host for the Fashion Police 3 times and participated in making fun of others. She was laughing at some of Joan’s comments. Making fun of clothes isn’t different from making fun of a hairstyle. If she was so offended or uncomfortable, then why did she go on the show 3 times? A hypocrite at best. Its okay for her to mock others but when she gets mocked, she gets upset over it? Maybe its her that needs to learn a life lesson as well.
      And none of you think its weird how an 18 year old is hanging around some like Kelly Osborne? Okay she doesn’t seem so innocent to me.

    • JenniferJustice says:

      Better for someone of Zendaya’s calibur to never be on a show like FP. She’s better than that. I hope she makes better choices going forward. She has no need for desperacy in the industry at this point and if she was doing her friend Kelly a favor, she shouldn’t do favors like that in the future. She doesn’t owe her and those types of shows won’t do anything to elevate her career.

  30. Shambles says:

    This thread escalated quickly.
    Zendaya seems like a beautiful soul, and if I had a daughter I would love for her to have a role model like this incredible young woman.

  31. Sarah says:

    Oh, so smoking weed is degrading now? How dare she assume that “weed smell” is offensive? Many people smoke weed for recreational purposes, you know. And I do have plenty of WHITE friends who do wear dreadlocks and smoke weed as a part of a rasta culture. So this association makes sense.

    • FingerBinger says:

      If you say someone looks like they smell like weed and make fun of their fake dreadlocks apparently it’s an insult and racist.

      • Sarah says:

        Why on Earth is it racist? cause white people don’t wear dreadlocks? yeah, right. making fun of someone is all that happens on that stupid show (which i don’t watch). People of all races smoke weed and in many places it’s legal. And dreadlocks ARE the popular hairstyle among people who are into rasta music and culture.

  32. MrsBPitt says:

    Just out of curiosity….Do you think people would have found GR’s racist is she had just said…”I don’t like Zendaya’s hair that way”…and not made the stupid, other comments about “weed and patchulli oil”…

    Personally, I loved Zendaya’s dredds! I thought she looked awesome!

    • QQ says:

      well that’s really it Mrs… She SHOULD/COULD have said that, Some of us even said that! that they simply didnt flatter her tiny features/frame ( Not even the dreads themselves, cause that was cool to pair with an evening slip whatever but the thickness/heavy look of them?) … But that’s not where she went with it

    • FingerBinger says:

      @ MrsB If Rancic had just said Zendaya’s hair looks heavy and and she looks like she smells like granola we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

      • aang says:

        This is why I don’t understand the racist thing. Patchouli (sp?) is not something I have ever heard associated with african americans, I think of all the Dead concerts I went to in the early 90’s, and there were not very many African Americans there. Or even marijuana really. If I were to think of a stereotypically african american drug it would not be weed. If you want to make the rasta connection then the weed comment is understandable.

    • Josefa says:

      I’m pretty sure if she said her hair was simply unflattering this would’ve never become a story.

  33. anne_000 says:

    The fact that GR said the same thing three different times after being told not to the first two times makes it look like GR’s an uncaring bitch who hoped all along that her comment would be attention-getting. The more scandalous it sounded, the more she loved it.

    But if she’s all set on saying potentially scandalous remarks, then she has to own it and not apologize (even though I think she was wrong to say it). I prefer an out-and-out bitch over a passively-aggressive mean girl, because I think it’s more cowardly and even crueler to say something with intent, but then apologize later on knowing that you meant it to be callous and hurtful all along and was enjoying it.

    Yes, I think GR’s purpose in repeatedly saying the same comment through all three takes was to be scandalous and thought that with Zendaya’s youth and her not being a bigger name would make Zendaya a perfect target. I think GR didn’t realize that Zendaya was strong enough and smart enough to come back at her in a manner more mature and intelligent than GR has shown. I believe that GR wouldn’t have gone after someone older and with a bigger name in the same way as she did with Zendaya.

    Anyhoo, each time Zendaya’s comments have been perfect, imo. True class. I’m glad her parents raised her to be a thoughtful, intelligent person. She came out looking better than GR did.

    I don’t understand how some people think GR is the victim here. She’s a grown woman and knew that her remarks were meant to be bitchy. That’s all on her.

  34. Suzy from Ontario says:

    What a beautiful and eloquent response. She is clearly a very intelligent and mature young lady and will likely grow into an even more impressive women, unlike Rancic who could learn a thing or two about grace and class from this lovely girl.

  35. Feebee says:

    Full credit to Zendaya here. Young ladies, pay attention!!

    As for Ms Rancic, all this scripted nonsense is news to me. Yes I occasionally live under a rock. I am genuinely shocked their critiques are scripted. I WAS impressed with her second apology. That was because I thought she was explaining a slip of tongue. However that is not what is was. It was a planned attack. One that was warned against. She can go to hell. Yeah, Zendaya has more class than me, but graciousness is more than Rancic deserves.

  36. kri says:

    Z was on this board several months ago after being shunted aside on the Lifetime “AAliyah” movie. She is really talented & gorgeous. But what impresses me here is how smart she is. It’s really refreshing to have a young celeb who thinks for herself. I am looking forward to seeing this young woman in the future.

  37. Feebee says:

    Full credit to Zendaya here. Young ladies, pay attention!!

    As Ms Rancic, all this scripted nonsense is news to me. Yes I occasionally live under a rock. I am genuinely shocked their critiques are scripted. I WAS impressed with her second apology. That was because I thought she was explaining a slip of tongue. However that is not what is was. It was a planned attack. One that was warned against. She can go to hell. Yeah, Zendaya has more class than me, but graciousness is more than Rancic deserves.

    However I didn’t realise either that Zendaya had been part of this programme so there is that coin flip.

  38. **sighs** says:

    I have a question: people here are saying that this show is scripted. That Joan Rivers had a bunch of people writing for her. I assume if she had writers, then these people who most certainly are not comedically talented like Joan do, so how do we know if GR even wrote this joke?
    Yes, she chose to say it, so that onus is on her, but what if she didn’t even write it? How much say do these people have in which jokes they actually perform? And in that case, why is Kelly Osbourne the sole voice of reason here? I assume this was taped, so what the hell producer let this go to air, and why is GR getting the sole bashing, for something she probably didn’t write or have final say over airing?

    Just some food for thought.

    • anne_000 says:

      I don’t think GR ever said she was forced into saying this or else she’d be going up against her writers, director, TV execs, producer, etc.

      Apparently, she thought of it all herself and decided to say it. I don’t know in any of her apologies in which she said she was forced to say it or that somebody else thought up the words for her or that if she didn’t say it then she’d be in trouble with her bosses.

      In the end, she’s a grown woman going after an 18-year old.

      • **sighs** says:

        Not my point. My point is that she is not making all the decisions. If she came up with it on her own, then, yes, she needs to own that. But the producers of the show, who ok’d that this went OUT ON THE AIR need to own it too, and not hide behind someone else. Other people than her thought this was ok to put out there. Why are we not calling them out?

      • angie says:

        I don’t agree that the remark was racist, but I totally agree that it was unkind and unseemly to pick on an 18 year old young woman. Joan would never have permitted it–she may have told tasteless jokes, but she only picked on people her own size, experience-wise.

  39. Miss Beca says:

    Bringing it back to fashion for a minute, can I just say I love her in the locks! I think without them she looks about 12 years old.
    Also, I’m impressed with her poise and grace. Way to be a role model, Z!

    • Josefa says:

      The locks truly look great on her, and this comes from someone who doesn’t actually like them on… anyone else, lol.

      Z seems like a smart and humble young star who received good, loving parenting, and she’s making headlines for good reasons. How often does that happen? Lol.

    • Amy says:

      I agree. I’ve seen some people say they look heavy for her and I respect that, but I actually think they’re just perfect. There’s a strength and beauty to them that plays off her small frame and simple dress. I actually think she was one of the more gorgeous ones that night and showed how something other than a dress could transform a woman.

  40. NeoCleo says:

    Talk about using light to drive out the darkness! This young woman is a torch.

  41. OriginallyBlue says:

    I see the dismissive and willfully ignorant comments are still alive and well. Things are never going to change until people pull their heads out of their butts and acknowledge problems. People of colour deal with casual racism and micro aggressions all the time. Not all racism is blatant. A person doesn’t have to come right out and call a black person the n word for it to be an issue. Just because you don’t see it or understand it doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s hard to notice when you’re not on the receiving end. The problem with GR’s comments has been explained clearly since it was reported on and yet people are still saying they don’t see what the big deal is. If you aren’t willing to listen/read and learn then maybe you should just stay out of the conversation. Talk about race issues is usually uncomfortable, but dismissing and ignoring it will not make it magically disappear.

    • jammypants says:

      It’s just as bad as sexism. Some people don’t see it. It’s so subtle, and you’re right. Only those on the receiving end would know.

    • Ashley says:

      100% right. These comments saying “it’s about hippies or Rastas or I just don’t understand what makes this racist” are sickening. So much effort is being put into moving on to another subject or trying so hard to justify GR’s actions. The point is that something was said and people took offense. With that happening the next reasonable action is to address why! Not look for justification but understanding. But apparently ppl would rather protect their right to be willfully ignorant or accuse others of being overly sensitive than learn that what they do or believe may be hurting others.

      • angie says:

        To the extent that your comment is directed at some of my comments, it’s not that I don’t understand your point. I do understand it, but I just don’t agree with it. And while you are totally entitled to your opinion on the matter, so am I to mine.

      • angie says:

        Actually, on reflection perhaps I don’t understand. From this site I’m learning that African-American women have a shaming issue with their hair, but I don’t really know why. I’m not being sarcastic, I just really don’t understand. Would someone explain the history behind this, and why it’s an issue? I think African-American hair is beautiful, and I have often envied the many stylish and elegant looks that can be achieved with it. It is astounding to me that it could ever be a source of shame. I really would appreciate some information on this.

      • pk says:

        Angie – Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair” would be a good place to start educating yourself. You “really would appreciate some information on this” …? You do know you’re on the internet yes? The internet has searchable information; quite a lot of it actually. smdh

      • angie says:

        I was actually trying to reach out to the individuals on this board to get a dialogue going instead of continuing to talk past one another, but I appreciate the referral to the documentary, even if it was wrapped in disgust and sarcasm.

  42. Lucy says:

    Girlfriend’s going places, that’s for sure.

  43. jammypants says:

    If her peers are anything like her, her gen of Disney stars are looking way better than the vapid/self-absorbed Miley, Demi, Selena crew.

  44. Saks says:

    I strongly dislike everyone involved in this story and I think Zendaya is quite an hypocrite:

    Fashion Police is an awful show which makes fun of physicality and personality. Zendaya went to the show when Joan was still alive, therefore, participating or at least aproving the trash material that show displays. I think she can’t really complain after having been there and perpetuating the shaming of others with Joan’s comments, which many times were even more racist and offending.

    But at least this girl is intelligent enough to milk this situation…

  45. Angel says:

    Her intelligence only makes her hotter! The world has taken notice and we will see great things come out of this young lady!

  46. Veronica says:

    She strikes me as a very sharp, well spoken young women. Most of us did not have that kind of self-restraint at the age. Her parents did well by her.

  47. Couldbeme says:

    As an eighth generation white southerner, in a very complex and rich African American community (Gullah), am I racist when I say I am fascinated by black hair? It seems like it’s a more than just hair at times, black women seem to judge each other and their children by how they style it, and it is also somewhat of a political statement, as we see in this national story. I think this young women’s hair looks beautiful, but it is a lot of hair for her tiny frame. That is my fashion opinion, nothing else.

    • Toni says:

      As a Black woman…….I think you come from an admiring standpoint, made an intelligent comment, and gave a personal opinion without cruelty. Peace!

  48. Toni says:

    The Fashion Fashion gets OWNED by this 18 year old girl—and I LOVE IT! I’ve never heard of this young lady before this, but will follow her progress from now on!

  49. jwoolman says:

    People outside the U.S. may not be aware of this, but February is Black History Month here and Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (a federal holiday) is celebrated in January. The kid-oriented networks typically have interim segments about it during this time of year. I’m sure that this makes Zendaya especially aware of the deeper connections in this situation as well as the model of reconciliation provided by King. She also said originally that members of her family wear their hair in that style, so the choice had family significance for her also. And yes, it is connected with race here because the style did not start with European or Asian Americans. The most automatic association people here have is with African Americans as well as people from the Carribean. The fact that people of other ethnic groups can also adopt it does not change that basic association in the US.

  50. I still don’t think dreadlocs are appropriate for any setting, I think they’re unsanitary no matter what anyone says about how clean they keep them. I am very impressed by Zendaya’s response to this situation, and it has certainly raised my estimation of her. I had never heard of her previously so she turned this distasteful situation into a PR win for herself. Good for her! She must be intelligent AND have a smart team around her to spin this situation the way she has.

    • Guesto says:

      I don’t think you know what ‘spin’ means. Spinning is what those who screw up do, not those at the receiving end of the screw-up. The only spinning that went on here is the eye-rolling back-tracking by the utterly barren and shallow Rancic.

      Zendaya has emerged well from this simply because she and those around her choose to deal with Rancic’s moronic comment in a thoughtful and intelligent manner.

    • Amy says:

      So basically you pretty much admit you’ll ignore facts in favor of your own bias?

      Well, at least you admit it.

  51. mynameispearl says:

    I think GR’s comment was racist, and completely offensive- but not dissimilar to the jokes that Joan Rivers would dish out on a regular basis- which all the FP panel would proceed to laugh like drains at no matter how racist/ ageist/ body shaming the comment was. Half the time the jokes were so obvious you could spot them coming a mile off.

    So why would GR even recognise that this humour is offensive? Let’s face it- if Joan had said it the FP panel would have cried with laughter on cue like the nodding dogs that they are.

      • mynameispearl says:

        Thanks for the link but I do know what racism is, and like I said- I completely agree that it was a racist comment. But I also think that this is standard for this show, if Joan had cracked the same racist joke it would have gone unnoticed, and passed off as edgy humour- when in reality it’s just low rent, lazy, scripted nonsense.

        I stopped watching this FP a long time ago as I just think it’s pointless, unfunny, and negative.

  52. Karen says:

    Structural racism, covert racism, and as someone said above “casual” racism, to me is more insidious than overt racism. With clearly overt racist words or actions, it’s clear what the expected response should be and no one faults the response or makes excuses for perpetrators. For the recipients of overt racism, outrage is justified, encouraged and supported with marches, speeches, and catch phrases that distill and communicate the issue. It’s also easier (in theory) to make changes to address overt racism because an effective response is clearer to identify. (changing voting laws for instance).

    Covert racism is the kind that causes us to say things like “she looks like she smells like patchouli and weed,” and not understand why that’s hurtful in this instance. Covert racism results in comments like “this isn’t about race,” “what’s the deal, it’s only hair,” etc etc. It’s the kind of racism that makes us think that because WE don’t think it’s racist, that must mean that it’s not. It’s the kind that causes us to think things like “he’s overreacting,” or “she’s playing the race card.” It’s the kind of racism that many of us have and may harldly be aware of until we say something dumb and we get called out. But it’s also the kind that when hurt is expressed, it’s dismissed because of the beliefs above. There aren’t any marches or catch phrases. AND..if we are truly truly honest, undefensive, and look deep, we realize how ingrained this insensitivity is in us. I would like to believe Rancic DID learn from this and that we can all learn from it to.

  53. Jessiebes says:

    Bravo to Z.

    I work in Amsterdam – pot city . To be fair, pot is still illegal to buy/ use it – but it is deliberately overlooked by the police. Anyway people of all colours, hairstyles, income and lifestyles buy it and smoke/eat it. Mostly white tourist though.

  54. Kim1 says:

    It’s funny most people I know are familiar with Zendaya but have never heard of Rancic until this week.

  55. Tracy says:

    Zendaya: first rate, class response. Inspirational, compassionate, intelligent, elevated.
    Guiana: totally outclassed, pandering to ‘clever’ sound bytes, superficial
    Kelly: not credible as a “fashion” commentator. Probably a nice person, but just unqualified on many levels, certainly laughable as any moral compass for what is a frothy, no substantive cable show

  56. Misprounced Name Dropper says:

    Seems to be a lot of hairsplitting over this issue.

  57. Jo says:

    Why is this such a big deal, still? I do think that people sometimes forget that certain styles and fashions are associated with certain stereo-types and attitudes and if you don’t want the latter opposed on you, maybe you shouldn’t adopt the former.

    We have articles on this site about about how Iggy Azalea is misappropriating black culture. That’s the inverse of this. She’s not black enough to do things that are stereo-typically black and this woman, Z, is wearing her hair in a style that is associated with a certain lifestyle but we shouldn’t assume she subscribes to that.

    Which is it? Don’t judge people on how they choose to present themselves physically, or do?

  58. serena says:

    This girl is amazing!!! I’m seriously rooting for her, I started to like her a lot from this!

  59. ellalter says:

    Zendaya’s comments give me such hope for this generation coming up, no matter who did the research on the quotes, she is choosing to exemplify forgiveness, edification, compassion, and love. No one put a gun to her head to run her responses, just as no one put a gun to Rancic’s head, or the cast, to spew ignorant. Per MLK, light is what drives out darkness, so let’s hope the younger woman is positively influencing the elder, even though the younger just outclassed the elder by a country mile! AND, why does a woman ALWAYS have to be trashed for showing beauty in a different way. It’s really sad when people just can’t see that. Hair schmair, that young woman is beautiful, apparently inside as well as outside.

  60. Delores Smile says:

    I think its the KrissJenner publicity $tunt. To get Chloe on fashion police.

  61. belle de jour says:

    When I first read this item, I wondered if many people – like Ms. Rancid – have any clue whatsoever what a hot-button topic some aspects of personal appearance & presentation can be within communities or populations outside their own?

    Hair texture, length, natural, processed, straightened, dyed, etc… all of these characteristics are not only physical, but they can also function as social signifiers, reflect religious and cultural identity, represent intentional decisions; in short, they can bear a myriad of some import and more meaning beyond being a simple ‘hairstyle.’

  62. poop says:

    i know im very ignorant, but can someone tell me how she went from having straight sleek hair to full-length locs? i thought that process took years?

    • Petunia says:

      Poop, don’t sell yourself short. Dreads are a commitment. Trick put on a wig and then decided to feign indignance on behalf of a culture she’s not in any way a part of.

      • Petunia says:

        Where are the rest of my commentS? This one out of three thoughtfully constructed comments is the only one to see the light of day! UGHC! What does it mean? Do I even exist? Is it all a dream? Where’s my comments celebitchy?!?!