HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Tyra Banks is apologizing for a controversial America's Next Top Model promo that features a 6-foot-2-inch model with a shockingly small waist.
"On behalf of the entire Top Model team, I am truly sorry for the style in which the Top Model promo clip was presented," the 36-year-old Banks writes on her official Web site. "Like all of my projects, I am extremely involved in America's Next Top Model from casting the final contestants to conceptualizing the episode challenges, but with all the work and details that go into producing a TV show, I can't be 100 places at once (although I try), but it's just impossible for me to see everything that’s created before it's released to all of you!
"That being said I can assure you – that cut has been removed from the CW airwaves, and the message conveyed in that video was NOT intentional, and is certainly not Top Model- or Tyra-approved. The Top Model team is extremely talented and truly enjoys creating fun, engaging promos and episodes for you. The team really wants to entertain you, while promoting and embracing multiple forms of beauty. Sometimes in the quest to have fun in a limited amount of time, especially in a 20-second promo, our overarching message can be misconstrued, and in this case it most certainly was.
"To the people who see me as a representation of upholding the fact that beauty comes in all sizes, I personally apologize. The jokes of my fellow judges connected with my edited sound bite sounded like I was supporting unhealthy eating habits. This has never and will NEVER be the case – I am and will always be committed to promoting healthy body image.
"As a pre-teen, much of the body image pain I experienced was NOT being able to gain weight. Being so incredibly thin, I was the receiver of countless stares; feeling helpless. I've also been (VERY) publicly attacked for being bigger. Being on the receiving end of both sides of that pain has really shaped my perspective.
"I want the media and viewers to continue to challenge perceptions of beauty, but to understand that BEAUTY comes in all shapes, sizes and proportions. I have always celebrated uniqueness, and encourage women, myself included, to accept and embrace their own bodies – flaws and all! Whether it's exaggerated curves (or lack thereof), bee sting boobies, a juicy booty or a big ole' forehead (eh-hem) – it's about rocking what we've got.
"Ann (the young woman featured on the Cycle 15 promo) like so many other women that stand before us on the Top Model judging panel or approach me on the street, was experiencing her own internal struggles with her body, and the cruelty she faces on a daily basis directly related to the way she looks (stemming from her 6'2" height), some of which is revealed in the upcoming season. I offered her the same level of support and encouragement I've extended to all younger women that have opened up to me – the girls and young women who attended my TZONE camp way back, guests on The Tyra Show, past Top Model contestants and strangers on the street. Having the opportunity to be there and help all of these women drives me to further my mission."
The 15th season of Top Model premieres Sept. 8.
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