Keke Palmer doesn’t seem to appreciate the recent social media conversation comparing her career to Zendaya’s.
A tweet on Saturday drew attention for claiming that a perceived difference in mainstream popularity between Palmer, who currently stars in Jordan Peele’s Nope, and Zendaya is “one of the clearest examples of how colorism plays out in Hollywood.” The Twitter thread noted that Palmer and Zendaya are former child stars, but that Nope is being described in some circles as Palmer’s breakout role.
On Sunday, Palmer tweeted: “Great example of colorism is believing I can compare myself to anyone. I’m the youngest talk show host ever. The first black woman to star in her own show on Nickelodeon, and the youngest and first black cinderella on Broadway I’m an incomparable talent Baby THIS is Keke Palmer.
The 28-year-old star continued: “I’ve been a leading lady since I was 11. I have over 100 credits and currently star in an original script that is the #1 #NOPE box office. I’ve had a blessed career so far , I couldn’t ask for more, but God continues to amaze me.”
Nope, which opened in first place at the weekend box office with an estimated $44 million, is a sci-fi horror film that stars Palmer opposite Daniel Kaluuya.
Palmer was a child performer in the lead role of Nickelodeon VP True Jackson, which debuted in 2008 and ran for three seasons. Other credits include Akeelah and the Bee, Scream Queens, Hustlers and a voice role in this year’s Pixar film Lightyear, along with a stint as co-anchor of the third hour of Good Morning America titled Strahan, Sara & Keke.