Her very own celebrity cheerleaders! Zendaya Coleman wasn't the only one who took offense to Giuliana Rancic's comments about her dreadlocks at the 2015 Oscars this week.
Stars like Solange, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Ava DuVernay, and more applauded the Disney star for standing up for herself after Rancic said Zendaya probably "smells like patchouli oil and weed" in a controversial segment of E!’s Fashion Police on Monday.
"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," Zendaya wrote in an extended Twitter post. She then cited accomplished African American women who have dreadlocks, like Selma director Ava DuVernay, Grammy nominee Ledisi, and author Terry McMillan.
"There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society," the Shake It Up alum continued, "without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair."
DuVernay, Scandal star Washington, How to Get Away With Murder lead Davis, Solange, and others caught wind of Zendaya's response to Rancic, applauding her for standing up for herself.
RT @Zendaya: Just posted a photo. https://t.co/WhzwjYP6Ik (You're beautiful, Queen. We bless the ignorant and wish them well. Onward. xo)
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) February 24, 2015
Well done Beautiful. XO “@Zendaya: pic.twitter.com/Lieyt5M1UH”
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 24, 2015
You are beauty personified. I celebrate you sis! RT "@Zendaya: Just posted a photo https://t.co/rftab9VoBv"
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) February 24, 2015
Yeah @fashionpolice been bashing my fro for years, @intouchweekly compared it to a dog…and u know what I say? pic.twitter.com/OBvkpw4Vdn
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) February 25, 2015
Zendaya's fellow teen actress Chloe Grace Moretz also sided with the Disney star on Tuesday, tweeting in response: "People need to grow up, realize it's 2015, and act like it. Beautifully written."
Meanwhile, the topic was also discussed on The View on Tuesday, revealing that Whoopi Goldberg was not a fan of Rancic's comments. "If you ain't Joan Rivers, back up, Giuliana," said Goldberg, who has dreadlocks herself.
Rancic's fellow E! personality Khloe Kardashian also voiced her support for Coleman on Tuesday. Kardashian occasionally joins Fashion Police for commentary.
@Zendaya you are a gorgeous, intelligent young lady! I love all that you represent! Keep empowering and shine bright! ????
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) February 24, 2015
While the other members of Fashion Police have largely remained silent after the incident, Kelly Osbourne took to her Twitter on Tuesday to slam critics wanting to bring her into the dispute, claiming that Zendaya was her pal.
I WILL NOT BE DRAGED INTO THIS! The situation is being rectified like ADULTS by both parties. I hope you can leave it to them & do the same!
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) February 24, 2015
I DID NOT MAKE THE WEED COMENT. I DO NOT CONDONE RACISM SO AS A RSULT OF THIS IM SEREIOULSY QUESTIONONIG STAYING ON THE SHOW!
— Kelly Osbourne (@KellyOsbourne) February 24, 2015
Rancic, for her part, issued a public apology while hosting E! News on Tuesday night. "I’d really like to address something that’s weighing very heavy on my heart," Rancic told viewers. "I want to apologize for a comment that I made on last night’s Fashion Police about Zendaya’s hair."
The longtime E! host continued: "Something I said last night did cross the line… I didn’t intend to hurt anybody, but I’ve learned it’s not my intent that matters, it’s the result."