![]() |
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images |
Known for its scathing criticism and humorous commentary on
celebrity fashion choices, Fashion Police
shows no mercy. After the death of original host Joan Rivers in 2014, the
program took a three month hiatus, replacing Rivers with Kathy Griffin, and
reassuring continuation of the show. Since returning, however, Fashion Police has stirred heated
responses and accusations of taking their comments too far—even bordering on
racism.
After Monday night’s episode, which reviewed the various
celebrity showings at the Oscar’s, co-host Guiliana Rancic remarked contentiously
on Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman’s hairstyle. Rancic noted that Zendaya’s
long, thick dreadlocks looked like they would “smell of patchouli oil” or
“weed” on the Academy Awards' Fashion Police special.
Quickly responding
via social media, Coleman tweeted a lengthy protest. She called Rancic’s ridicule of African American culture racism. “To say that an eighteen-year-old
young woman with locs must smell of patchouli oil or ‘weed’ is not only a
stereotype, but outrageously offensive,” Coleman deplored. Making a
striking point, she listed many prominent African Americans who wear their hair
in dreadlocks, refuting the connotation that the locks somehow lowered her
status:
Do you want to know what Ava
DuVernay (director of the Oscar nominated film Selma), Ledisi (9 time Grammy
nominated singer/songwriter and actress), Terry McMillan (author), Vincent
Brown (Professor of African and African American studies at Harvard
University), Heather Andrea Williams (Historian who also possesses a JD from
Harvard University, and an MA and PhD from Yale University) as well as many
other men women and children of all races have in common? Locs. None of which
smell of marijuana.
“There is already harsh criticism of African American hair
in society,” she impressed, “without the help of ignorant people who choose to
judge others based on the curl of their hair.” Coleman ended the tweet, stating
boldly, “To me, locs are a symbol of strength and beauty, almost like a lion’s
mane. I suggest some people….contemplate a little before opening your mouth so
quickly to judge.”
Stars like Solange Knowles, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg,
and Kerry Washington applauded Coleman’s reply, tweeting her praise and
support. Even Rancic’s fellow E! personality, Khloe Kardashian, joined
the mix, tweeting her own encouragement. “You are a gorgeous, intelligent,
young lady! …Keep empowering and shine bright!” she cheered Coleman.
Rancic issued an aired public apology Tuesday night, not
only to Zendaya, but any others she upset with her statement. “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,” she began. “This really has been a learning
experience for me…this incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of
clichés and stereotypes, how much damage they can do. And that I
am responsible, as we all are, to not perpetuate them further.” Rancic
also told Access Hollywood that she
did not in fact write the comment, and that it was in her script for the episode.
Coleman graciously accepted Rancic’s apology, but the
commotion didn't end there. Co-host Kelly Osbourne officially left Fashion Police in response to the issue.
After receiving criticism throughout the week, Osbourne tweeted, “I did not
make the weed comment. I do not condone racism so as a result of this I’m
seriously questioning staying on the show!” She added, “I’m giving everyone
involved 24 hours to make it right or the world will hear how I really feel.
Contactually (sic) I’m not allowed to speak!” Sure enough, late Friday evening,
Osbourne confirmed her exit from the show. E!
released an official statement, attributing her departure to “pursue other
opportunities” after five years of contribution.
Osbourne’s leave from the show may have been dramatic, but I
think it was dignified. While Rancic’s apology seemed sincere, it was issued
only after criticism fired at her from all directions, demanding a response.
She also later shifted blame to the studio writers, as if, despite the words coming
from her mouth that somehow assuaged the situation. Coleman’s classy and unpretentious
response highlighted the issue that racism can emanate unchecked throughout the
media and pop culture. Had Coleman not tweeted her dissent, Rancic’s comment
may have gone unnoticed, regarded simply as an amusing joke. While much more
serious issues are evident, like Ferguson, smaller incidents like this shed
light on similarly concerning matters of micro-aggressions that drive the “Fergusons.”
Interesting ideas ..is it the script that's racist then?
ReplyDelete