E!'s 'Fashion Police' Goes on Hiatus After Kathy Griffin, Kelly Osbourne Exits
After the recent departures of Fashion Police panelists Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Griffin E! execs have decided to place the fashion commentary show on an extended hiatus until September.
"We look forward to taking this opportunity to refresh the show before the next awards season," the network said in a statement released Tuesday. "Our talented co-hosts Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski, along with executive producer Melissa Rivers, will continue their roles as we evolve the show into its next chapter for the legions of Fashion Police fans around the world."
VIDEO: Inside Kathy Griffin's Decision to Quit 'Fashion Police'
This comes after Griffin revealed on March 12 via Instagram that she was leaving the show and Kelly Osbourne announced her departure in late February.
"With the benefit of hindsight, we definitely brought it back too soon," NBCUniversal Lifestyle Networks Group president Frances Berwick told The Hollywood Reporter, referring to how quickly Griffin had been hired to step in to fill the void left by Joan Rivers' passing in September.
Fashion Police has been in the center of a public relations storm after Rancic made disparaging comments about Zendaya's dreadlocks at the Oscars, saying that the 17-year-old singer's new hairdo made her look like she "smelled like patchouli oil … or weed."
NEWS: Zendaya Slams 'Fashion Police' Host’s 'Ignorant Slurs' About Her Oscars Hairstyle
Many found Rancic's comment to be racially insensitive, and Zendaya took Rancic to task on Instagram, calling her remarks "ignorant slurs."
Rancic apologized profusely and attempted to distance herself from the comments, denying that she would intentionally make a racist joke. Zendaya eventually accepted Rancic's apology, saying, "Giuliana, I appreciate your apology and I'm glad it was a learning experience for you and for the network."
Berwick commented on Rancic's remarks and her apology, saying, "It was absolutely misinterpreted, but she handled it completely appropriately."
VIDEO: Zendaya Accepts Giuliana Rancic's Apology After Making Anti-Dreadlocks Comments
Still, in the wake of the controversy, Osbourne, a long-time panelist and friend of Zendaya, announced she would be leaving. Griffin's departure occurred soon after, with the comedian saying, "After seven episodes of Fashion Police, I discovered that my style does not fit with the creative direction of the show and now it's time to move on."
In light of the exodus, Berwick admitted that the network considered canceling the series, but ultimately decided that they didn't want to give up on the brand that they've been building for over five years, or the audience the network has cultivated.
While the viewership has waned since Rivers' death and the Rancic controversy, Berwick revealed that the show still has a dedicated fan base.
"There was a lot of noise and drama that are really not helpful or additive to the creative process, but there’s a real love for this show," Berwick revealed, adding, "Given the focus on this, the ratings should really be the size of The Walking Dead."
For more on the former feud between Rancic and Zendaya, check out the video below.
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