I may be the only Giuliana Rancic fangirl on Earth, and I’m more than fine with that. The idol of mine has been under fire for her controversial Fashion Police comments, but I refuse to believe that one mistake, that wasn’t entirely her fault, should tarnish her otherwise immaculate reputation.
Growing up, I spent nights in my pajamas studying Giuliana’s every move. Still, I believe the joke she made about Zendaya’s dreadlocks was wrong. She realized the magnitude of what she said, and I appreciated her apology. Of course, this doesn’t justify her words — I know that, and I believe she does as well. But you do know that it was written for her, and the final product was edited to seem a lot harsher, right? Here’s her original quote. The bold section was cut.
I love Zendaya’s style and I love when she has the little hair, she just had it. She has such a tiny frame that this hair to me overwhelms her, it’s really heavy it overwhelms her and it’s just like too Boho. Zendaya is more high fashion. The hair to me, on her, is making her a little boho like I feel like she smells like patchouli oil and weed.
And yet the writers and editors got off scot-free. The show’s on hiatus and their wallets must be taking a hit, but why haven’t I seen any of their names in the headlines? Giuliana took the brunt of everything, and was thrown under the bus even more by colleagues Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Griffin who each quit after the scandal. They’re allowed to have their fun on the show but can totally remove themselves once things go South? How is that OK?
For the record, Giuliana calls racism “reprehensible” and has supported stars like Lupita Nyong’o, who she’s called “genius,” has referred to Rihanna as “glamorous,” and even backed Kanye West. If you’re still convinced she’s racist, Google other comments she’s made to try proving me wrong.
Let’s look at her as a person. She was brave enough to document difficult times for the world to see — her battle with breast cancer, infertility, and experience using a surrogate — and someone from any walk of life should respect that. She earned her status not by pulling a Kanye or making a sex tape, but for the right reasons. She’s not just another mindless bobblehead on the red carpet. Giuliana defines the American dream. Here are some things you may not know about her:
So she’s not just, like, totally in love with celebrities. Her “love affair with television” shows through her hard work. She’s a true talent who can effortlessly handle the chaos of the red carpet. Do you know how hard it is to ask questions on live TV with hundreds of people, flashing lights, and frazzled publicists running around? I would, because I’ve been there. Her down-to-Earth personality shines as she comfortably holds the mic and humanizes talent, making them feel comfortable enough to open up on relationships and personal matters. She is the reason I studied journalism and continue on this path. I’m fascinated by the art of the interview and dream of becoming a respected reporter one day. Defending her doesn’t mean hating anyone else, but remember Maria Menounos’ disastrous hosting at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards? The awkward hugs and uninformed conversation got her banned from E!’s future carpets. This gig isn’t easy, but watching a host like Maria makes you appreciate Giuliana and how amazing she is at her job.
I’ll leave you with this: Paula Deen said the N-word, made anti-Semitic jokes, and backed it all up with a hollow defense (“It’s just what they are, they’re jokes”) yet she can carry on with her career? And what about these stars?
If you think these circumstances are OK, but still believe Giuliana should be burned at the stake, you need to reevaluate your empty, pathetic argument.
The Gossip Table reveals how Rancic is striking back at critics of her thin frame.