The Oscars Moment That Sparked a Global Conversation: Law Roach Reflects on Zendaya's Dreadlocks and The Crown Act

**The Backlash: A Moment of Ignition** When Zendaya walked the Oscars red carpet, she was met with both praise and criticism. The controversy ignited when Giuliana Rancic, a co-host on Fashion Police, made a derogatory remark suggesting that Zendaya's dreadlocks made her look like she "smells like patchouli oil or weed." Roach reflected on this moment, stating that such “really awful comments” from “this TV personality” opened the door for discussions about the underlying issues of racism and cultural appropriation in fashion and media. **A Catalyst for Change: The Crown Act** Roach emphasized that the negative attention surrounding Zendaya's hairstyle catalyzed a broader dialogue about the treatment of Black individuals and their hair in professional and social settings. This conversation was pivotal in the eventual creation of The Crown Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair." The legislation aims to protect individuals from discrimination based on their natural hairstyles, recognizing that hair is an essential part of cultural identity, particularly for Black Americans. **Empowerment Through Dialogue** The aftermath of the Oscars incident exemplified how powerful dialogue can be in driving change. Law Roach pointed out that while the comments were hurtful, they also served as a wake-up call for many. It encouraged people to speak out against not just hair discrimination, but all forms of racial bias. The incident empowered individuals to embrace their natural beauty and cultural expressions, leading to a more inclusive and respectful society.