Keke Palmer’s Thoughts on Colorism

In response to a series of viral tweets about colorism in Hollywood sparked by comparisons of actresses Keke Palmer and Zendaya, Palmer took to Twitter to shut them down with a simple “nope.” Palmer, an incredibly talented singer, actress, and TV personality, recently supported her friend Zendaya while starting an interesting conversation about colorism in Hollywood with a fresh perspective. On July 22, 2022 Palmer had her latest film, Nope, hit theaters and as a result, the press and the public began to discuss her latest role and career. 

Nope, a Sci-Fi horror film directed by Jordan Peele (Get Out) has been wildly successful since its premiere. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Nope had an incredibly successful opening weekend, ranking first place and earning $44 million. Palmer recently played the part of Emerald Haywood in the film alongside Daniel Kaluuya. 

Palmer began her career as a child actress, and quickly skyrocketed to stardom after her first role at just 11 years old. She is known for her work in Akeelah and the Bee (2006), True Jackson VP (TV series, 2008), Joyful Noise (2012), and Hustlers (2019). Despite the fact that she is only 28, Palmer has had a lengthy and successful career, and has pursued many avenues in entertainment. She has released music that can be categorized as a combination of R&B, soul, and pop, her most recent single “Bottoms Up 2.0” being released in April 2022. 

After many on Twitter began to compare Palmer’s career and overall popularity to singer, model, actress, and dancer Zendaya, she responded with these two eloquent and powerful tweets: 

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.

— Keke Palmer (@KekePalmer) July 24, 2022

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.🥹🥳❤️🙏🏾

— Keke Palmer (@KekePalmer) July 24, 2022

Palmer’s explosive tweet has sparked a massive debate on Twitter, where many users have supported her claim and come to her defense.

Keke Palmer finally getting the flowers she deserves and y’all instantly had to compare her to Zendaya. Colorism needs to be talked about but why do y’all do this shit to darker skin black women when they’re being congratulated?

— Dai🦩 (@justsaydai) July 25, 2022

This debate about colorism in Hollywood is in no way new, and unfortunately the fight for equality is in no way over. However, I firmly believe that strong women like Palmer and Zendaya will be the force of change in Hollywood, and in the entertainment industry as a whole. I’m looking forward to seeing what both iconic actresses do next.