The Oscar’s Dreadlock Controversy

The 18 year-old former Disney star, Zendaya Coleman rocked a beautiful VIvienne Westwood ivory gown on the red carpet for the 2015 Oscars. The actress chose to sport waist length faux-locs. Fashion Police’s correspondent Giuliana Rancic found herself in the hot seat when she stated: “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil or weed.” on television.

Rancic was under scrutiny for her offensive and stereotypical comment. Many on social media criticized the host for being racially offensive. Also, the topic of black women’s hair in society resurfaced once again. Rancic claimed she was referencing her ‘bohemian chic look” and not race.

Coleman however responded indirectly to Rancic via Instagram.

Coleman decided to give Rancic some insight of the many successful African American who rock dreadlocks and the harsh criticism the black community endures just from the curl pattern of their hair.

Rancic issued an apology via twitter but also on E! News. She said, “This incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of cliches and stereotypes, how much damage they can do, and that I am responsible, as we all are, to not perpetuate them further. People are offended, including Zendaya, and that is not okay. Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya, and anyone else out there that I have hurt, that I am so, so sincerely sorry.” 

Coleman later took to Instagram in accepting the apology. Read her full statement which was posted via Instagram below.

Instagram | @zendaya

Instagram photo by Zendaya * Feb 25, 2015 at 7:22pm UTC

For more information view Huffington Post

Zendaya Forgives Giuliana Rancic

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