You’ve probably heard of the offensive comments Giuliana Rancic made about Zendaya Coleman’s Oscars look on Fashion Police by now. If you haven’t then let me fill you in…

With former cast member Joan Rivers, Fashion Police viewers couldn’t expect anything short of offensive comments about celebrities’ outfits. But the real shock was when Rancic made prejudice comments about Disney Star, Zendaya’s hair style. As the starlet’s image flashed on the set’s screen, Rancic claimed that she smelled of “patchouli oil” and “weed”, referring to her dreadlocks. Wow.  

What’s even worse is that cast member, Kelly Osbourne, warned Rancic numerous times that Zendaya is a friend of the show and that she would regret her comments. Osbourne claims the they had to tape the Zendaya segment numerous times and in each one Rancic continued her racist remarks. 

I’m not sure if Rancic was trying to mimic Joan Rivers’ comedic style or if she really believed her words, either way I found her statement absolutely unacceptable. African American women have and continue to face discrimination against their natural hair styles. From the media to the workplace, they are told that their natural locks are unattractive, inappropriate, and unhygienic. Stereotypes like these damage African American women’s self esteem and their ideas of beauty. 

Nonetheless, Zendaya responded to Rancic’s ignorant comment with intelligence and maturity: 

Zendaya quickly received praise and support from A-listers including Viola Davis and Khloe Kardashian along with the public. I admire her for taking a stand against Rancic and representing African American women. 

Rancic finally gave Zendaya a public apology and she graciously accepted quoting MLK “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that”. I have a lot of respect for her. She never holds her tongue and actually thinks before she speaks. Spoken like a true diplomat. Great job Z!