Giuliana Rancic apologizes to Zendaya for dreadlocks comment

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Giuliana Rancic apologized to Zendaya for her comments on the actress' dreadlocks Monday.

The 40-year-old television host outraged the 18-year-old star by criticizing her hair and saying she must smell of "patchouli oil and weed" on E! series Fashion Police. Zendaya debuted her dreadlocks at the 2015 Oscars on Sunday, and slammed Rancic for the diss on Instagram.

"There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful," the actress declared. "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."

"There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair," she went on to assert. "To me locs are a symbol of strength and beauty, almost like a lion's mane."

Zendaya listed Selma director Ava DuVernay, singer Ledisi and author Terry McMillan, among others, as examples of people with dreadlocks, "none of which smell of marajuana." The actress said she assumed the hairstyle "to remind people of color that our hair is good enough."

Rancic apologized on Twitter, writing, "Dear @Zendaya, I'm sorry I offended you and others. I was referring to a bohemian chic look. Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!" Zendaya has yet to issue a response.

Zendaya is known for Disney channel sitcom Shake It Up, and competed on season 16 of ABC reality competition Dancing with the Stars. She currently portrays the title character, Katrina Charlotte Cooper, on Disney series K.C. Undercover.