Keke Palmer is not letting anyone downplay her success.
On July 23, a social media user's tweet went viral, alleging that the "mainstream popularity" between the Nope actress and Zendaya was "one of the clearest examples of how colorism plays out in Hollywood." The tweet came after another Twitter user called the Jordan Peele-directed sci-fi film Keke's "breakout" role, although the 28-year-old has been acting since she was a child.
Fans began debating if colorism did play in role in Keke and Zendaya's careers. One person tweeted what they believed to be Keke and Zendaya's net worths, adding, "Keke has been a mainstream success since her career began. She should be one of the HIGHEST paid entertainers in the game. So yes it's colorism."
Another fan, however, said that both actresses shouldn't be compared. "I dont know why y'all are obsessed with comparing people," the social media user wrote. "They both worked their asses off to get to where they are. Yes Keke deserves more but s--t wasn't just handed to Zendaya either. Comparing their careers downplays Keke's success and downplays Zendaya's talent."
The viral tweet, which has been shared almost 10,000 times, garnered the attention of Keke, who addressed the claims by sharing part of her extensive acting background and accolades.
"A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone," she tweeted July 24. "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."
In a follow-up tweet, the True Jackson, VP alum wrote, "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."