UPDATE 2/25/15 2:42 p.m.: Zendaya's responded to Rancic's apology via Twitter, read it below:
pic.twitter.com/q1nV60KkTD
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 25, 2015
In the process of transitioning from a Disney Channel star to movie star (and in the process wisely removing herself from Lifetime's Aaliyah biopic disaster), Zendaya made waves on the Oscars red carpet with her diaphanous off-the-shoulder pale silk gown and waist-length locs. The look was unanimously heralded as a win—with the exception of Giuliana Rancic, who on Monday's Fashion Police said, "I feel like she smells like patchouli oil...and yeah, maybe weed?" Internet backlash was swift and merciless against the talking head, who had previously lauded Kylie Jenner's dreadlocks as "edgy."
im glad giuliana rancic is catching flack for that comment. she thought kylies dreads were edgy but zendayas are dirty. hmm.
— lil mama (@princessg4y) February 24, 2015
But Kylie Jenner's hair is cool and edgy though, right? Foh @GiulianaRancic RT @dirtyxluxury: wow. http://t.co/VLj4pR6h95
— #JeSuisPaiPai (@heyPAIDA) February 24, 2015
Zendaya had some words of her own for Racic, whose comments she denounced as "disrespectful" and "ignorant."
pic.twitter.com/q0fOYrv3gc
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) February 24, 2015
Rancic defended her remarks on Twitter, writing that they, "Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would."
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
Lead image: Christopher Polk/Getty Images