TV star apologises for “hateful” racist remarks about actress
E! host Giuliana Rancic has ben forced to make a public apology for offensive comments she made on air about actress and singer Zendaya.
Giuliana was speaking during the Fashion Police Oscars special when she made some seriously badly thought out remarks about Zendaya's choice of hairstyle for the evening.
Speaking about the actress' new dreadlocks, the presenter said, "I feel like she smells like patchouli oil."
"Or weed," Kelly Osbourne added, with Giuliana agreeing, "Yeah maybe weed," as her co-hosts laughed.
Many viewers were outraged at the comments, describing them as racist, hateful and offensive:
.@GiulianaRancic for someone whos been attacked for her looks in the media id think you would know what its like and wouldnt be so hateful
— ELIAS (@wtfelias) February 24, 2015
And yes, saying "dreadlocks smell like weed" is racist. No matter how you put it, Giuliana. Sorry IF I offend you. #NOT
— Syahidah Ayub (@SyahidahAyub) February 24, 2015
I normally don't express such opinions on social media, but Giuliana Rancic needs to be fired for her racist remarks. Period.
— itsEmeryK (@itsEmeryK) February 24, 2015
Zendaya herself also took to social media to post an open letter about the hurtful remarks. "There is a fine line between what is funny and what is disprespectful," she wrote, adding, "My wearing my hair in locs [dreadlocks] on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough."
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 24, 2015
Well said!
Giuiliana herself responded on Twitter this morning, saying, "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!!!"
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
We're glad to see Giuliana apologising, but we hope it teaches her to watch her words next time.
