Update: Zendaya posted another thoughtful message regarding the recent events. "I have so many people looking up to me, that I couldn't be scared, wait it out, nor could I just stand up for me; I had to do it for WE," she wrote, adding:"Giuliana, I appreciate your apology and I'm glad it was a learning experience for you and for the network." She quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous proclamation: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that," and added: "Let's be that light and spread that love." Head over to her Instagram to read the statement in its entirety.
Yesterday, we reported on the absurd comments Giuliana Rancic made about singer and actress Zendaya's dreadlocks on the Oscars' red carpet. Predictably, the controversy set Twitter ablaze with angry reactions. But, the overwhelming number of tweets, Instagram posts, and Facebook updates in support of Zendaya was heartwarming.
A lot of celebrities are also showing their solidarity and support on social media. Ladies like Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, and Khloé Kardashian offered comforting and inspiring words for the 18-year-old star — encouraging her to keep her head up and not let the ignorance bring her down.
Whoopi Goldberg — a loc wearer herself — spoke out on The View yesterday about the events. "You need to call Zendaya, Giuliana, and apologize," she said. "Be careful, 'cause you know a lot of people with dreads," which she punctuated with a very appropriate hair flip. Singer India.Arie, who's donned locs in the past and whose song "I Am Not My Hair" Zendaya referenced in her eloquent response to Rancic, took to Tumblr to issue some thoughtful and loving words.
Check out the tweets of support below, which will hopefully help you restore your faith in humanity. At least, for the time being.
Washington chimed in with a simple, but poignant RT.
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Well done Beautiful. XO “@Zendaya: pic.twitter.com/Lieyt5M1UH”
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 24, 2015
Viola Davis, we're here for this.
You are beauty personified. I celebrate you sis! RT "@Zendaya: Just posted a photo https://t.co/rftab9VoBv"
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) February 24, 2015
Khloé K shared some encouraging words.
@Zendaya you are a gorgeous, intelligent young lady! I love all that you represent! Keep empowering and shine bright! ?
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) February 24, 2015
Ava DuVernay — another example of a beautiful woman with locs Zendaya listed in her response — basically said what we're all thinking.
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
Chloë Grace Moretz (another 18-year-old, we should note) urges us to get with the times.
@Zendaya people need to grow up, realize it's 2015, and act like it. Beautifully written pic.twitter.com/kjtY0gV4pO
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) February 24, 2015
Solange, referencing the despicable instance in which In Touch Weekly compared her hair to that of a dog, has perhaps our favorite reaction of the bunch.
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
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