Keke Palmer is just not having it when it comes to colorism and the Zendaya comparisons that have come out of that.
The 28-year-old actress fired back after an online debate caught fire over the weekend, which began when a Twitter user started a dialogue about whether, despite a seemingly similar trajectory in their careers, Zendaya’s perceived mainstream popularity is “one of the clearest examples of how colorism plays out in Hollywood.” Keke and Zendaya both began as child stars and have gone on to pave paths for themselves and make an impression in the industry.
This discussion comes as Keke is enjoying a bright spot in her career, getting commercial and critical acclaim for her leading role in Jordan Peele’s Nope. And Keke was quick to say ‘Nope’ to this conversation. She clapped back by saying:
“A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone.
I’m the youngest talk show host ever. The first Black woman to star in her own show on Nickelodeon, & the youngest & first Black Cinderella on Broadway.
I’m an incomparable talent. Baby, THIS, is Keke Palmer.”
She went on to say this about her career:
“I’ve been a leading lady since I was 11 years old. I have over 100+ credits, and currently starring in an original screenplay that’s the number one film at the box office #NOPE.
I’ve had a blessed career thus far, I couldn’t ask for more but God continues to surprise me.”
