When a Journalist Denied Zendaya’s Talent and Criticized Her Dreadlocks, She Elegantly Strikes Back, Turning a Moment of Insult into a Lesson in Cultural Respect! At the 2015 Academy Awards, actress Zendaya graced the red carpet wearing a stunning, floor-length gown paired with elegant, long dreadlocks. The look was widely celebrated, showcasing both high fashion and a proud embrace of a culturally significant hairstyle. However, the moment was soon marred by a racially charged critique that sparked a national conversation—and elicited a powerful, measured response from the young star.
The Journalist’s Insult
The controversy erupted during the E! Network show Fashion Police. Longtime fashion commentator Giuliana Rancic commented on Zendaya’s hair, suggesting that her dreadlocks made her look as if she “smells like patchouli oil and weed.” Rancic’s comment immediately drew widespread backlash. Critics across social media and media platforms condemned the remark as culturally insensitive and racist, pointing out that dreadlocks are an ancient, respected hairstyle across African and African diaspora cultures, often carrying connotations of spirituality and strength.
Zendaya’s Elegant Strike Back
Rather than engaging in a heated, public feud, Zendaya used her social media platform to deliver an eloquent, thoughtful, and firm rebuke that transcended personal offense and became a lesson in cultural literacy. She posted a carefully worded statement, acknowledging the need for humor in the fashion world but drawing a firm line between being “funny” and being “disrespectful.” She stated: “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. To say that a young woman’s dreadlocks must ‘smell of patchouli oil and weed’ is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive.” Zendaya passionately affirmed that her hair was a symbol of strength and beauty, referencing many successful, celebrated figures—including civil rights activist Ava DuVernay and musician Lenny Kravitz—who wear the style. She concluded her statement by hoping that others would learn to judge people not by their hair texture but “by the content of their character.”
The Cultural Impact and Apology
Zendaya’s poise and intelligence in handling the situation were widely praised. She effectively used her moment of insult to educate the public on the prejudice faced by Black women regarding their natural hair. The public pressure and internal backlash were immense, forcing Giuliana Rancic to issue a lengthy, public on-air apology. Rancic acknowledged that she had learned a valuable lesson about stereotyping and cultural insensitivity. The entire incident cemented Zendaya’s reputation not just as a talented actress but as a powerful, articulate advocate for cultural respect and dignity.
@etalkctv Who can forget Zendaya’s Oscars debut in 2015? 😍 When Zendaya was just 18-years-old, she became a household name by wearing dreadlocks on the Academy Awards red carpet. The look caused quite a stir internationally once Giuliana Rancic made racially charged comments about the hair choice on ‘Fashion Police’, but since then, the look has gone down in Oscars history as a reminder for people of colour to know their “hair is good enough.” ❤️ Watch the 2025 #Oscars March 2 on CTV. #Zendaya #Dreadlocks #GiulianaRancic #FashionPolice #RedCarpet #AcademyAwards #Hair #HairPositivity