Keke Palmer Responds to Being Compared to Zendaya: ‘A Great Example of Colorism’

The Nope actress, Keke Palmer, has recently been the subject of a trending Twitter debate, in which people compared her career path with Zendaya’s, proving that she is subjected to the colorism of Hollywood. However, as someone that is very vocal about her ideals, Keke Palmer responded, “A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone.”

The sci-fi horror film, Nope, is currently the top film at the box office. As the movie becomes increasingly successful, more households are now familiar with its lead actress, Keke Palmer. Thus, many start to believe that this represents a ‘breakout’ for her. On Twitter, however, some users pointed out that, having debuted as a child star, Keke Palmer has been in Hollywood for almost two decades. Compared to other lighter-skinned actresses who broke into Hollywood as child stars, she doesn’t appear to be equally well-known.

On Saturday, a tweet comparing Keke Palmer with Zendaya grabbed people’s attention. The discussion soon turned to the colorism in Hollywood, and how Keke Palmer has been personally victimized by it. Twitter user Melinda Eg claims that the difference in the mainstream popularity between Keke Palmer and Zendaya (Euphoria) “may be one of the clearest examples of how colorism plays out in Hollywood.”

I’d like someone to do a deep-drive on the similarities and differences between Keke Palmer and Zendaya’s careers. This may be one of the clearest examples of how colorism plays out in Hollywood. They were both child-stars, but their mainstream popularity is very different. https://t.co/Cmy1CXGQeI pic.twitter.com/etO27HVN0Y

— Melinda Eg (@NBAgladiator) July 23, 2022

She then added, “Keke Palmer has done sooo much throughout her career, yet ppl are saying #NopeMovie is her breakout role?” In her post, many agree that Keke Palmer has given a myriad of excellent performances, and it is shocking that so many people haven’t heard her name. According to Stylist Magazine, one wrote, “Keke Palmer deserves the same hype ya’ll give Zendaya.”

On Sunday, July 24, Keke Palmer updated her Twitter, seemingly to respond to this viral discussion. She posted, “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.”

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

Palmer continues to show the accomplishment of her career in the reply area, stating that “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.” She shut down the toxic comparison by telling the public that she is “an incomparable talent,” and that she has always been shining. She doesn’t need to be compared with anybody, because she is a queen with indisputable strength.

Fans support Palmer under her tweet while raising the question: Why can’t people admire others without comparisons? Why spend so much time debating and comparing? Why not send sincere congratulations and praises to the ones who deserve them?

Keke is indeed “Incomparable”. She is the best! Why can’t people compliment others without comparisons. Everyone has their own unique journey. Honor them for theirs, and theirs only. Love you 👑Keke!

— Jeanette Davis (@jayadds80) July 25, 2022

Instead of focusing on and celebrating Keke Palmer, y’all have changed the conversation to make comparisons. And now instead of Keke trending for her accomplishments, Zendaya is trending while Keke is not. Y’all are apart of the problem! pic.twitter.com/UllgHFq75g

— TiTi (@ElegantFenty) July 24, 2022

The short answer to these questions is nothing shy of colorism, a concept where women of lighter complexions receive roles and notoriety, while women with darker skin have to work twice as hard for less recognition. Brilliant actresses like Viola Davis have been struggling with this issue for decades. Keke Palmer once described her role in Nope as an exciting character that wasn’t “solely defined by their complexion.” Outside of the film, Palmer should never be defined by her skin color or compared to other actresses just because they share the same racial identity. Keke Palmer is becoming an increasingly shining star. Hopefully, people will start to recognize Palmer for her accomplishments as a veteran in the industry.

Keke Palmer’s film Nope is now available in theaters across the U.S. For more information about colorism in Hollywood, check out the video below.