Giuliana Rancic's comments about Zendaya's dreadlocks might have seemed off the cuff, but Access Hollywood has learned otherwise.
When Giuliana said the 18-year-old's dreadlocks at the Oscars looked like they smelled like "patchouli" and "maybe weed," this was not something the "Fashion Police" host came up with on her own.
Access has learned that the comments, which have caused a wave of backlash, were penned by a "Fashion Police" show writer.
Additionally, Access' Billy Bush contacted Giuliana about the report that the segment was taped three times and she replied with "absolutely not," explaining that it was only filmed one time.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Zendaya took to Instagram following Giuliana's comments
"There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful," Zendaya wrote in a photo of a long paragraph of text. "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.
"To say that an 18-year-old woman with locs must smell of patchouli oil or 'weed' is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive," she continued. "I don't usually feel the need to respond to negative things but certain remarks cannot go unchecked."
READ: Zendaya Appreciates Giuliana's Apology: 'I'm Glad It Was A Learning Experience For You'
On Tuesday, Giuliana apologized for her comments.
"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. And that is not ok," she said on E! News. "Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya and anyone else out there that I have hurt, that I am so, so sincerely sorry. This really has been a learning experience for me. I've learned a lot today and this incident has taught me to be a lot more aware of cliches and stereotypes, how much damage they can do and that I am responsible, as well all are, to not perpetuate them further."
Zendaya accepted the apology, writing on social media, "Giuliana, I appreciate your apology and I’m glad it was a learning experience for you and for the network. I hope that others negatively affected by her words can also find it in their hearts to accept her apology as well."
-- Jesse Spero
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