After last year’s Oscars, Zendaya was the center of a media frenzy for calling out Giuliana Rancic‘s “ignorant” comments about her dreadlocks!
So it’s no surprise the Disney darling is weighing in on this year’s #OscarsSoWhite controversy, noting the lack of minority representation in this year’s nominees “feels like a step backwards.”
Photo: Zendaya Announced As The New Face Of Covergirl!
Echoing the remarks of dozens of celebrities, the 19-year-old expressed her disappointment in the movie biz at the launch of her shoe collection Daya By Zendaya.
Zendaya spoke to People at her launch — which was planned by celebrity event planner David Tutera and will be featured on an upcoming episode of WEtv‘s David Tutera’s CELEBrations this Spring — saying:
“Well, all I can say is there needs to be, I think, recognition for people to do good work, and it shouldn’t matter what color skin you are. Unfortunately, it does. It just feels like a step backwards.”
Zendaya didn’t say whether she would join celebs in skipping out on the award show in protest, but she did make it clear she would be a part of the movement, adding:
“We have to create change. We have to be a part of that movement. I think as a young African-American person I will definitely be a part of that change.”
AH-Mazing!
As a result of last year’s controversy, Zendaya sparked a discussion on cultural sensitivity in the media and got her own custom made Barbie doll.
So, it’s clear that Z is the perfect voice to act as an element of change!
[Image via WENN.]