Zendaya's Oscars Drama: A Growth Moment

0:00On this March 20th, here's what's making entertainment headlines. Back in 2015, a young Zendaya stepped onto the Oscars' red carpet in Dredlox and a custom ivory gown fresh from her Disney days. But host Juliana Rancic on ease, fashion police, sparked outrage by joking that the 18-year-old looked like she smelled like patchouli oil or weed. Fast forward 11 years, and the 29-year-olds Zendaya just re-war that same gown to promote her new film, bringing the old drama back into the spotlight. The comment hit hard because many saw it as leaning into racial stereotypes about black hair and style. Zendaya quickly fired back on social media, calling it outright offensive and a lazy trope that needed calling out. Juliana apologized right away, insisting it was just about a boho vibe and had nothing to do with race. Fans rallied behind Zendaya, turning the backlash into a defining moment that boosted her profile. Co-host Kelly Osborne even quit the show, blasting Juliana publicly.

1:02Zendaya accepted the apology, but slammed the show's mean-spirited approach to fashion critiques. In the years since, their paths split wide open. Zendaya skyrocketed to stardom, landing spider-man roles that smashed box office records, leading HBO's euphoria and becoming the youngest two-time. Amy winner for lead actress in a drama at age 24 and 26. These days, Juliana has dialed back from big TV gigs, leaving E in 2021 for family and her restaurant business while co-hosting a smaller lifestyle show with her husband. Both women now look back on it as a growth moment, with Zendaya crediting it for sparking real change in Hollywood. This story is made possible by our sponsor. See the episode description. Your favorite podcasts, music or sleep sounds coming from your pillow, no earbuds, no distractions. Let's listen and relax.