Giuliana Rancic has issued a new public apology to Zendaya, following the controversy over her “Fashion Police” comments about the young starlet.
On Monday, the E! star first apologized on her Twitter page after she offended the young actress and many others by commenting, “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil,” she said, adding, “maybe weed,” after seeing Zendaya’s dreadlocks ‘do for the Oscars.
On Tuesday, Giuliana went in front of the camera for a lengthier mea culpa.
PHOTOS: Oscars: Inside The Parties
“I’d really like to address something that is weighing very heavy on my heart. I want to apologize for a comment that I made on last night’s ‘Fashion Police’ about Zendaya’s hair. Now, as you know ‘Fashion Police’ is a show that pokes fun at celebrities in good spirit, but I do understand that something I said last night did cross the line,” Giuliana said on “E! News,” the video for which was posted on the network’s website.
“I just want everyone to know I didn’t intend to hurt anybody, but I’ve learned it is not my intent that matters, it’s the result and the result is that people are offended, including Zendaya. And that is not ok,” she continued. “Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya and anyone else out there that I have hurt, that I am so, so sincerely sorry. This really has been a learning experience for me. I’ve learned a lot today and 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 well all are, to not perpetuate them further.”
PHOTOS: Oscars 2015: Red Carpet Beauties
On Monday night, Zendaya used Instagram to share her response to Giuliana’s “Fashion Police” remarks.
“There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful,” Zendaya wrote (she posted a photo of her typed up comments). “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 woman with locs must smell of patchouli oil or ‘weed’ is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive,” she continued. “I don’t usually feel the need to respond to negative things but certain remarks cannot go unchecked.”
The same evening, Giuliana took to Twitter to first apologize.
WATCH: Zendaya’s Oscars Style Controversy
“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!!!” she Tweeted at the time.
— Jolie Lash
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.