Giuliana Rancic has apologised to Disney actress Zendaya for the comments she made during Monday's episode of Fashion Police, where she focused on Zendaya's Oscars red carpet look. "Dear @Zendaya, I'm sorry I offended you and others", the 40-year-old TV personality tweeted on Tuesday following an outcry over social media.
© Photo: Getty ImagesZendaya and Giuliana Rancic
"I was referring to a bohemian chic look. Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!", she finished.
Zendaya, the 18-year-old star of Disney's original movie, Frenemies, wore dreadlocks to Sunday's ceremony and Giuliana said on the show that she must have smelled of "patchouli" and "weed".
Zendaya later took to Instagram to share her thoughts on Giuliana's comments.
"There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful", she wrote.
"Someone said something about my hair at the Oscars that left me in awe. Not because I was relishing in rave outfit reviews, but because I was hit with ignorant slurs and pure disrespect. 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."
Zendaya then went on to namecheck various African-Americans who have had successful careers and also wore 'locs', including Selma director Ava DuVernay, and the 9-time Grammy nominated singer Ledisi, which led to Giuliana's replies.
"I suggest some people should listen to India Arie's 'I Am Not My Hair' and contemplate a little before opening your mouth so quickly to judge." Zendaya concluded.
