Giuliana Rancic Didn’t Write Zendaya ‘Dreadlocks’ Joke, Says Billy Bush (Video)

Giuliana Rancic did not write her now-infamous “dreadlocks” joke, according to Billy Bush.

The “Access Hollywood Live” host says he “made some phone calls” recently and learned that Rancic’s red carpet joke on “Fashion Police” about singer-actress Zendaya was crafted by a writer.

Also Read: Oscars Red Carpet Arrivals (Photos)

“That joke was a written joke, which means, a lot of people involved and nobody saw racism in this at all,” Bush said. “I don’t think they would have put it on the air several hours later if there was.”

However, according to the Writers Guild of America, the organization has been on strike against “Fashion Police” since April 2013 in a dispute over new contracts. Therefore, if the Zendaya quip was written, it did not come from a WGA member.

Also Read: Giuliana Rancic Was Channeling Joan Rivers With Zendaya Dig on ‘Fashion Police’ (Report)

Rancic came under fire after Monday’s “Fashion Police” post-Oscar show when she commented that actress Zendaya Coleman’s dreadlocks make her look like “she smells like patchouli oil and weed.”

Zendaya took to Instagram shortly thereafter, remarking, “To say that an 18 year old young woman with locs must smell like patchouli oil and weed is not only a large stereotype but outrageously offensive.”

Also Read: Kelly Osbourne Sings a Different Tune About Giuliana Rancic After Apology to Zendaya

Rancic subsequently apologized, with Zendaya accepting her mea culpa on Wednesday.

Related stories from TheWrap:

'The View' Hosts Blast Giuliana Rancic for Zendaya Comments: 'Giuliana Is Not Joan' (Video)

Kelly Osbourne 'Seriously Questioning Staying' on 'Fashion Police' After Zendaya Fiasco

Zendaya Rips E! Red Carpet Host Giuliana Rancic for 'Ignorant' Dreadlocks Comment