Zendaya's Archival Oscars Gown Revival Reopens 2015 Race Row Wounds
In 2015, Zendaya was a relatively unknown figure outside of Generation Z circles, having built her initial fame on Disney's Shake It Up. That year, the fresh-faced teenager achieved a significant career milestone by securing an invitation to the Academy Awards, where she was thrust into the global media spotlight after 'sneaking' onto the red carpet to showcase her custom Vivienne Westwood gown.
However, she could not have anticipated the immense international attention that would follow, largely due to ridicule on E!'s Fashion Police. The now-defunct programme, previously hosted by Joan Rivers until her death in 2014, featured a panel of fashion commentators—George Kotsiopoulos, Giuliana Rancic, and Kelly Osbourne—who offered critiques on celebrity outfits, ranging from chic to tragique.
The Controversial Comment That Ignited a Global Firestorm
During the 2015 Oscars red carpet review, Giuliana Rancic sparked a worldwide controversy by mocking Zendaya's appearance. The young actress had worn her hair in dreadlocks for the event, and Rancic remarked that she 'looks like she smells like patchouli oil or weed.' This comment immediately triggered a massive backlash, with accusations of racist stereotyping levelled against Rancic.
Zendaya responded with a public statement, condemning the Italian-American presenter's remarks as 'outrageously offensive.' She highlighted the fine line between humour and disrespect, emphasising that such stereotypes cause significant damage. The incident became a defining moment, propelling Zendaya into broader public consciousness while casting a shadow over Rancic's career.
Eleven Years Later: The Gown Returns and Memories Resurface
This week, eleven years after the controversy, the scandal has resurfaced as Zendaya chose to rewear her Oscars gown. As an avid 'method' dresser, she is promoting her new film, The Drama, by incorporating 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' into each event outfit. Starting with 'something old,' the 29-year-old former child star revisited her 2015 look, describing it as a pivotal moment for her and her family.
Fans quickly recalled the 2015 incident, flooding social media with reactions. Many noted how the controversy solidified their support for Zendaya, with one user stating, 'I already was a fan but that’s when I became a Stan.' Others reflected on the incident's role in elevating Zendaya's fame while diminishing Rancic's public standing, with comments like, 'It only brought more fame for Zendaya and ended GR.'
Diverging Career Trajectories Post-Scandal
In the decade since the scandal, Zendaya and Giuliana Rancic's careers have followed markedly different paths. Zendaya publicly accepted Rancic's apology but criticised the nature of Fashion Police, stating that 'body shaming and other hurtful tactics will never get the job done.' Despite this, Rancic did not receive widespread forgiveness; her co-host Kelly Osbourne quit the show, citing personal disdain, and Rancic later stepped down from her E! News anchor role.
Rancic's career shifted towards lower-profile endeavours, including co-owning RPM Restaurants and co-hosting the online series Life + Leisure with her husband. In contrast, Zendaya has ascended to become one of Hollywood's most successful actresses. She made her feature film debut in Spider-Man: Homecoming, starred in billion-dollar sequels, and landed the lead role in HBO's Euphoria, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards and becoming the youngest two-time acting winner.
Reflections and Lasting Impacts
Zendaya has reflected on the incident as a catalyst for change, noting how it inspired a Barbie doll in her likeness and prompted broader conversations about representation. In 2021, she said, 'It made me think, How could I always have a lasting impact on what people saw and associated with people of colour?' Giuliana Rancic, meanwhile, has expressed admiration for Zendaya's growth, describing her as 'incredible' in a 2019 interview.
The 2015 Oscars controversy remains a poignant chapter in entertainment history, illustrating the power of public discourse in shaping careers and cultural perceptions. Zendaya's decision to revive the gown not only honours her personal journey but also underscores the enduring relevance of the race row that once dominated headlines.
