Zendaya's 2015 Dreadlocks Gave Rise to The Crown Act, Law Roach is Convinced
Zendaya’s choice to wear dreadlocks at the 2015 Oscars, styled by Law Roach, gave rise to a significant global dialogue that contributed to the creation of The Crown Act. Critics, including Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic, scrutinized her for supposedly appearing to "smell like patchouli oil or weed," a comment that sparked backlash. Without mentioning Rancic directly, Roach critiqued the statements as "really awful," noting how the incident spurred important discussions about Black hair acceptance. This is prepared by SSP.
Roach, close friend and stylist to Zendaya since her teenage years, shared these reflections at the Teen Vogue Summit, emphasizing fashion's role in political expression. The upheaval surrounding Zendaya’s hairstyle ultimately fostered debate that inspired The Crown Act, legally enacted in 2019. The law is designed to shield against racial hairstyle discrimination, safeguarding natural hair for Black individuals in schools and workplaces.
Zendaya found Rancic’s comments "outrageously offensive," criticizing them as pernicious stereotypes. Though Rancic later apologized, acknowledging a need for broader awareness of damaging clichés, Zendaya’s response reinforced the incident's significance in promoting lasting change. As Roach noted, the outcome was unplanned yet pivotal, initiating worldwide discourse on Black hair standards and spearheading necessary legislative progress.
Earlier, SSP reported that Prince William visited Welsh Guards for weapons training.