Zendaya claims racist experience at grocery store

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.

how come zendaya encounters racism in the first place, she doesn't look black at all.. and she's even whiter than me
— ficasaugh (@kenesu28) September 8, 2016

@Zendaya Another half-black nobody trying to get attention by claiming racism. I'm sure racism is the reason you're still on Disney at 22.
— Edwin Epps (@edwinepps311) September 8, 2016

Some said Zendaya should not have blamed the issue on race since it was more on the cashier's attitude.

The reason there is racism nowadays is people like zendaya blaming a cashiers bad attitude on race
— Erin (@erinjkehoe) September 8, 2016

Zendaya makes a scene over nothing -- shame on you -- Why is it always a race thing!!!!!
— J Cat (@TBird5293) September 8, 2016

zendaya vons Zendaya, maybe the clerk was having a bad day, everything's NOT about race. This seems to happen to YOU a lot! Publicity much?
— Christian Reda (@BuyMyScript) September 8, 2016

Interesting that Zendaya sees not being able to buy $400 worth of gift cards with a credit card as a race issue?
— caitlin (@caitlin_baumann) September 7, 2016

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.