Zendaya claims racist experience at grocery store
Syafique Shuib
September 8, 2016 22:03 MYT
September 8, 2016 22:03 MYT
Zendaya claims that a grocery store refused to sell her a gift card due to her 'skin tone'. -Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Marie Claire/AFP
AMERICAN singer and actress Zendaya claimed that a grocery store refused to sell her a gift card due to her 'skin tone'.
According to CNN.com, Zendaya – who is set to play Mary Jane Watson in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' – shared her experience at one Von's grocery store on her Snapchat account, claiming that the clerk said she could not afford the gift card.
"The lady that was helping, I don't think she was a huge fan of our skin tone," said Zendaya in the video.
A male friend then added: "Because we're black."
In response to the incident, Von's said it had a policy of limiting gift cards purchases using a credit card.
"Zendaya was able to purchase gift cards up to our limit, and we apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding.
"We respect Zendaya's voice in the community and similarly are committed to diversity and inclusion.
"We understand that race is a sensitive issue in America and view this experience as a reminder that every interaction is an opportunity to treat each customer as we ourselves would like to be treated," Von said in a statement.
The news attracted a variety of responses from netizens.
"She does not even look black at all," said a Twitter user known as @kenesu28.
Some said Zendaya should not have blamed the issue on race since it was more on the cashier's attitude.
In 2015, Zendaya blasted Fashion Police host Giuliana Rancic over a joke that was deemed as racist.
Rancic eventually apologised over the statement and the show was put on a hiatus for a few months.
This also led co-hosts Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Griffin to leave the show permanently.