Zendaya recalls offensive remarks about her hair at the 2015 Oscars

Zendaya recalled the 2015 Academy Awards when she wore her dreadlocks and a controversy was sparked after then Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic joked about her hair. The actress said she was happy she took up the stand for herself.

“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 colour?’” Zendaya told John David Washington in the interview with her Malcolm and Marie co-star.

Giuliana Rancic had said the traditional African hairstyle made Zendaya look like she "smells like patchouli oil or weed." It was the 87th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood Highland Center that took place on February 22, 2015.

The offensive remarks prompted 24-year-old actress to take to Instagram for a lengthy rejoinder. Five years down the line she remembered the episode while talking to W Magazine and expressed satisfaction that she did what was needed.

In her long answer, Zendaya said, "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."

“There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair.”

Zendaya pointed out, “[Me] wearing my hair in locs on an Oscars red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.”

Reacting to her post, Rancic extended an apology on Twitter. The programme host also went on air to give her apology.