Giuliana Rancic apologises for ‘racist’ joke about dreadlocks
E!’s POST-Oscars edition of Fashion Police is always a no holds barred affair, but one comment from Giulana Rancic united Hollywood in anger.
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GIULIANA Rancic has issued a second apology for saying US actress Zendaya’s Oscar-night dreadlocks made her look “like she smells like patchouli oil” or “weed.”
The E! Fashion Police co-host found herself at the centre of a firestorm after making the inflammatory comments during the post-Oscar show.
In the second apology, that aired on “E! News”, Rancic took full responsibility for the remark.
“Fashion Police is a show that pokes fun at celebrities in good spirit, but I do understand that something I said last night did cross the line,” she said.
“I just want everyone to know, I didn’t intend to hurt anybody. But I’ve learned it’s not my intent that matters, it’s the result, and the result is that people are offended, including Zendaya, and that is not okay.”
Zendaya, the 18-year-old former Disney star, walked the red carpet at the Oscars earlier this week wearing a floor-length ivory gown and her hair in dreadlocks.
In response to the joke, which many people in the Twittersphere labelled racist, Zendaya shared a lengthy note in which she called Rancic’s comments “disrespectful.”
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 24, 2015“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,” she wrote.
She named “Selma” director Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Terry McMillan, Vincent Brown and Heather Andrea Williams as well-respected and notable individuals who also have dreadlocks.
“None of which smell of marijuana,” she added. “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.”
Of her Oscar look, Zendaya said she wore her “locs” “to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of colour that our hair is good enough.”
Rancic first took to Twitter to apologise for the jab.
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“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!!!”
Her Fashion Police co-star Kelly Osbourne added that the spat had been settled — and even threatened that she’s considering her own future on the show.
I WILL NOT BE DRAGED INTO THIS! The situation is being rectified like ADULTS by both parties. I hope you can leave it to them & do the same!
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) February 24, 2015you guys do realize that @Zendaya is my friend right?
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) February 24, 2015Im giving everyone involved 24 hours to make it right or the world will hear how I really feel. contactually Im not allowed to speak!
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) February 24, 2015I DID NOT MAKE THE WEED COMENT. I DO NOT CONDONE RACISM SO AS A RSULT OF THIS IM SEREIOULSY QUESTIONONIG STAYING ON THE SHOW!
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) February 24, 2015Originally published as Giuliana Rancic apologises for ‘racist’ joke about dreadlocks
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