Giuliana Rancic avoids awkward encounter with Zendaya on AMAs red carpet following Fashion Police controversy by getting co-host to interview her instead

By Kayla Caldwell For Dailymail.com

Published: 19:58 EST, 22 November 2015 | Updated: 00:00 EST, 23 November 2015

Giuliana Rancic found herself in the midst of quite the controversy in February after suggesting 19-year-old Zendaya looked like she 'smelled of weed' since she was sporting dreadlocks at the 2015 Academy Awards.

And on Sunday it seemed the 41-year-old was keen to avoid an awkward encounter.

Rancic's co-host Terrence Jenkins stepped in to interview the Disney starlet as she arrived at LA Live in Los Angeles while rocking a striking, lacy pink mini dress.

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Playing it safe: After the Fashion Police scandal in February, Giuliana Rancic opted not to interview Zendaya, avoiding the potentially awkward encounter by having co-host Terrence Jenkins speak with her instead 

Avoiding an awkward moment: Rancic's E! co-host Terrence interviewed Zendaya 

Zendaya looked pretty in pink in a long-sleeved, semi-sheer floral patterned top, which was embellished with white ruffles down the front and along the sleeves.

The mini dress had a wide, solid pink band along the middle, which highlighted Zendaya's slim waistline.

The skirt of the flattering number was also decorated with flowers, with eyelet detailing along the bottom.

Pretty in pink! Zendaya looked stunning in a semi-sheer pink mini dress with floral embellishments as she arrived at the red carpet for the American Music Awards in Los Angeles

She accessorized the look with a pair of bubblegum pink pumps, and wore her long, brunette tresses in a center part and styled straight. 

The Shake It Up alum sported a bold cat eye for the awards show, which she coupled with a soft, pink lipstick.

Zendaya appeared to be in good spirits as she was spotted chatting on the carpet with Giuliana's E! co-host Terrence.  

Putting in the leg work! The Disney Channel starlet showed off her toned pins in the eye-catching mini dress, which she wore with bright pink pumps 

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Kissing the drama goodbye: The brunette beauty seemed to be in good spirits as she hit the carpet, and was spotted happily chatting with Giuliana's co-host Terrence Jenkins

Though the stars had been taking turns interviewing celebrities on the carpet, it was clear why Terrence had opted to chat with Zendaya instead of Giuliana.

The red carpet appearance comes months after Zendaya took to Twitter to share her frustration over comments Giuliana had made about her look from the 2015 Academy Awards.

The Fashion Police host made the comments on her E! program the Monday night after the awards show, while critiquing the starlet's outfit.

Bold: The actress showed off a striking cat eye, though balanced the dramatic look with a soft pink lipstick 

Zendaya had looked stunning for the big night, arriving in a white, off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown, pearl drop earrings, and with her hair styled in dreadlocks.

However, because of her hair style, Giuliana had criticized the star on Fashion Police, saying: 'I feel like she smells like patchouli oil… or maybe weed.'

Following the episode, Zendaya took to Twitter to vent her frustrations, sharing a lengthy criticism of Giuliana's words.

Friendly: Though Zendaya accepted Giuliana's apology following the controversy, it was likely better that she chatted with Terrence on Sunday, avoiding any possible awkwardness 

Cause of tension: Though Zendaya looked stunning as she arrived at the 2015 Academy Awards, her dreadlocks became the catalyst for quite the scandal, as Giuliana criticized them on Fashion Police

'There is a fine line between what is funny and disrespectful,' she wrote. 'Someone said something about my hair at the Oscars that left me in awe. Not because I was relishing in rave outfit reviews, but because I was hit with ignorant slurs and pure disrespect.'

She continued: 'To say that an 18-year-old young woman with locs must smell of patchouli oil or “weed” is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive. I don’t usually feel the need to respond to negative things but certain remarks cannot go unchecked.'

The Disney star then listed a number of personal luminaries who wear dreadlocks, and included her father, brother, best friend, and little cousins. 

In poor taste: The day after the Academy Awards Giuliana caused an uproar after - on E!'s Fashion Police - she said that Zendaya wearing her hair in dreadlocks made her feel like the star smelled like weed 

Taking a stand: Following the show Zendaya took to Twitter to share a lengthy post explaining why she was so deeply offended by Giuliana's remarks

Zendaya also advised that the host 'contemplate a little before opening your mouth so quickly to judge.'

'My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough. To me locs are a symbol of strength and beauty, almost like a lion's mane,' she added.

Giuliana later extended an apology to Zendaya on Twitter and on air, with the performer accepting said apology in a statement.  

'Dear @Zendaya, I'm sorry I offended you and others,' she tweeted. 'I was referring to a bohemian chic look. Had NOTHING to do with race and NEVER would!!!' 

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