Zendaya’s ‘image architect’ Law Roach has finally broken his silence on his shock resignation to furiously deny that the actress forced him to quit his job – after video emerged of her ‘rudely’ relegating him to a second row seat at a fashion show just days before he made his surprise announcement.
The 26-year-old actress was caught on camera taking her place on the front row next to Emma Stone at Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week show before ushering her longtime stylist to an empty chair behind.
The clip prompted fierce debate on social media as dozens of commenters slammed Zendaya for not ‘showing him respect’ – with some suggesting that the awkward moment was the catalyst for 44-year-old Roach’s shock resignation.
However, the stylist has now spoken out to vehemently defend Zendaya, denying any suggestion of a feud between them, while describing her as his ‘little sister’.
‘So y’all really think I’m breaking up with Z….. we are forever!’ he wrote on Twitter, adding in a second post: ‘She’s my little sister and it’s real love not the fake industry love.’
He then posted a third tweet featuring a gif of two little girls in a flower-filled meadow featuring the words ‘me & u must neva part’, writing alongside it: ‘Literally me and Zendaya…’
Roach’s posts come after the video of Zendaya seemingly dismissing him at the Louis Vuitton show earlier this month sparked furious speculation that she had been to blame for his decision to quit the fashion industry – a choice that he claimed was the result of ‘the politics, the lies and false narratives.’
In the clip, recorded earlier this month, Zendaya can be seen commanding attention as she strides into the Musée d’Orsay ahead of the show.
The star, who was wearing an animal print co-ord that boasted a bikini top and skimpy shorts, then giggles as she takes her seat on the front row next to Emma Stone.
But just a few steps behind is Roach – the man behind Zendaya’s incredible red carpet looks – who stops and stands directly in front of the actresses.
He looks up and down the row looking for an opening before Zendaya takes a quick glance over her shoulder.
She sees an empty seat in the row behind and gestures for Roach to take it – but he seems unconvinced.
The clip comes to an end before viewers see the conclusion of the exchange, although it was later revealed in a follow-up video that Law did secure a seat on the front row.
But the 13-second video was more than enough to spark fierce debate on social media.
In one camp, there were those that slammed the Euphoria star for not doing more.
One wrote: ‘In my opinion, the moment Zendaya saw that Law Roach did not have a seat next to her on the front row she should have left the show and made phone calls.
‘Sometimes sticking up for people that have your back comes with sacrifices, and that was her moment to stick up for him.’
Another quipped: ‘Zendaya should’ve offered Law her seat if it was no big deal with sitting second row.’
And a third said: ‘We love Zendaya in her roles, but we have to hold her accountable.
‘That was a ugly move to point to the back when your stylist was expecting a seat next to you.’
But others rushed to the actress’s defense by pointing out that there was nothing that she could have done and that all the seats were assigned by the brand.
Someone commented: ‘Louis Vuitton disrespects Law Roach by not having a front row seat for him – but Zendaya is the rude one?’
Another said: ‘There was nothing Zendaya could’ve done here except sit in her *assigned* seat likes she’s supposed to.
‘The fault lies with the staff not directing Law to his correct seat and so making him awkwardly stand in front.’
One added: ‘I am obviously mystified by the “Zendaya should have given up her seat” discourse.’
DailyMail.com has contacted Zendaya’s spokesperson for comment.
The video resurfaced following Roach’s shock retirement just a days after he dressed a number of stars for the Vanity Fair Oscars party, including Kerry Washington, Megan Thee Stallion, Hunter Schafer, Hailee Steinfeld, and Eve Jobs.
He posted a picture to Instagram which showed a red sign that had ‘RETIRED’ written in large white letters.
‘My Cup is empty….. thank you to everyone who’ve supported me and my career over the years. Every person that trusted me with their image, I’m so grateful for you all,’ he wrote in the caption.
‘If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it’s not!’ he added.
‘The politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me! You win… I’m out.’
It has since been claimed that Zendaya’s rumored appointment as Louis Vuitton’s newest ambassador could have been a catalyst in his decision to step down, according to Highsnobiety.
Roach has yet to comment on his plans post-retirement, sparking speculation that he may have something big in the works.
There have been rumors that he has been hired as a creative director of a brand or is about to launch something of his own, W Magazine reported.
Roach is best known for curating Zendaya’s unforgettable Cinderella look for the 2019 Met Gala while taking on the role of her red-carpet Fairy Godmother.
He was also the genius behind Celine Dion’s style renaissance in 2016. After working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, he has turned into a star in his own right.
Over the years, he served as a judge on fashion competition shows America’s Next Top Model and Legendary, and he was honored with the inaugural stylist award at the 2022 CFDA Awards last fall.
Roach suffered a personal tragedy in 2021 after his three-year-old nephew Lamar Roach Jr. fell to his death from 17th-story apartment building in Chicago.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, he thanked his supporters for their ‘prayers and well wishes,’ saying, ‘This is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to deal with.’
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