Zendaya has called out Giuliana Rancic's "outrageously offensive" comments about her dreadlocks in a brand-new interview.
According to People, the controversy in question dates back to the 2015 Academy Awards when the Spiderman: Homecoming star wore her hair in dreadlocks to the glitzy red carpet event.
However, upon spotting her, Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic joked on-air that her hairstyle made the actress look like she "smells like patchouli oil or weed."
Reflecting on the incident in a recent interview with W Magazine alongside her Malcolm and Marie co-star John Washington, the 24-year-old Marvel Cinematic Universe star stated:
"That's how change happens, and it made me think: 'How could I always have a lasting impact on what people saw and associated with People of Color?'"
In the wake of her comments, a number of fans of the actress were outraged by Rancic's words, and the actress herself took to Instagram shortly after to defend the cultural validity of her hairstyle choices.
In a lengthy statement, Zendaya wrote: "There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful. 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.
"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. [sic]"
Rancic later apologized to Zendaya directly on Twitter, writing in a tweet: "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!!! [sic]"
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Zendaya then responded: "I appreciate your apology and I'm glad it was a learning experience for you and for the network.
"I hope that others negatively affected by her words can also find it in their hearts to accept her apology as well."
