Keke Palmer Shuts Down Zendaya Comparisons Following Nope Debut

Keke Palmer shut down comparisons to Zendaya in a classy series of tweets reminding everyone of all of she’s accomplished in her career so far.

Following the release of Jordan Peele’s Nope, in which Palmer stars, several tweets went viral discussing the idea that this was a “breakout” moment for the actor.

One of these tweets suggested looking into the “similarities and differences between Keke Palmer and Zendaya’s careers,” writing that “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.”

Palmer has been a force to be reckoned with for some time now, and it’s not hard to understand how longtime fans of hers might be frustrated that she hasn’t received more mainstream appreciation over the years. The fact is, she’s been hard-working and clearly talented from the moment she broke into acting at 11-years-old, and obviously no small number of people have picked up on that over the years.

But regardless of how many times she trends on Twitter or whatever other uninteresting metrics we might use to measure popularity in modern times, Palmer clearly knows her worth and her achievements, and made it very clear that she doesn’t see the value in drawing comparisons.

“A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone,” she wrote on Twitter Sunday. “I’m the youngest talk show host ever. The first Black woman to star in her own show in Nickelodeon, & the youngest & first Black Cinderella on broadway. I’m an incomparable talent. Baby, THIS, is Keke Palmer.”

\u201cI\u2019ve been a leading lady since I was 11 years old. I have over 100+ credits, and currently starring in an original screenplay that\u2019s the number one film at the box office #NOPE. I\u2019ve had a blessed career thus far, I couldn\u2019t ask for more but God continues to surprise me.\ud83e\udd79\ud83e\udd73\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\u201d
— Keke Palmer (@Keke Palmer) 1658705216

Her post sparked some debate among people who still don’t seem to understand why these things all matter, but it also prompted a lot of fans and peers to pick up what she was putting down and help set the conversation straight.

\u201cListen to baby girl speak for herself! \n\nYes, @KekePalmer! Yassss, sis! \u2764\ufe0f\u270a\ud83c\udffe\u201d
— yvette nicole brown (@yvette nicole brown) 1658762941

\u201cImagine starring in the $200M+ Buzz Lightyear movie last month, having a blockbuster opening of Nope this weekend and having to tweet this. Keke Palmer deserved better, but I'm glad she flexed here. Nobody does what she does...end of discussion!\u201d
— Reecie @BlackWomenViews (@Reecie @BlackWomenViews) 1658727515

\u201cI\u2019m glad she did this. Colorism is a major issue but I can\u2019t believe people sullied her major moment by making it about another actress. Just because it took THIS particular movie for a certain demographic to take note of Keke doesn\u2019t mean her accolades prior should be downplayed\u201d
— Coolness941 \u264f (@Coolness941 \u264f) 1658766747

\u201cShe said "I have my crown. Don't try to use it against someone else" and well...\u201d
— Mikki Kendall (@Mikki Kendall) 1658714170

\u201cI only want good things for KeKe Palmer. I only want good things for all Black women, especially Black creatives. Time & time again we compare them to one another, or other white creatives, instead of letting them stand in their own light.\n\nSo proud of KeKe. This makes me smile.\u201d
— Kosoko Jackson (@Kosoko Jackson) 1658710330

Nope is in theaters right now, and you can also check out the laundry list of other amazing projects Keke Palmer has done over the years. And after that? You can get ready for her directorial debut with the upcoming music industry documentary, Big Boss.

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