WASHINGTON — Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman is hitting back against the E! television show “Fashion Police.”
In covering the Oscar red carpet, host Giuliana Rancic criticized Coleman’s look — a Vivienne Westwood gown and dreadlocks.
“I feel that she smells like patchouli oil…or weed,” Rancic joked. “Yeah, maybe weed?”
The remarks drew laughter from the show’s other hosts.
But the 18-year-old Coleman, whose father is black, perceived a racial subtext.
She took to Twitter to explain why she was offended:
pic.twitter.com/q0fOYrv3gc — Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 24, 2015
Rancic tweeted back an apology:
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!!! — Giuliana Rancic (@GiulianaRancic) February 24, 2015
The controversy is currently lighting up twitter with the hashtag #Zendaya.
What do you think? Over the line? Tweet us @WTOPEnt.
