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Thought Ashley Graham put that feud with Cheryl Tiegs to bed? Think again!
The 68-year-old supermodel and erstwhile Sports Illustrated mainstay is now apologizing for her remarks about "full-figured" women in modeling, after saying last week, "I don't like that we're talking about full-figured women because it's glamorizing them because your waist should be smaller than 35 [inches]."
"I don't think it's healthy. Her face is beautiful. Beautiful. But I don't think it's healthy in the long run," she added last week. Graham struck back on Wednesday, dismissing Tiegs' sharp opinions, “I kind of rolled my eyes, I was like, 'Oh whatever, another one of these ladies.'"
In an open letter to Graham published on The Huffington Post Friday morning, Tiegs is trying to clear the air ... but it's not really helping her cause.
Tiegs gets straight to her divisive words: "My answer was based on health concerns because of our nation's increasing problems with weight linked to diabetes, heart issues and cancer."
"At no time," she continues, "was I thinking of a specific person."
So ... when Tiegs said, "Her face is beautiful," she had no specific person in mind? Hmmm, we're gonna have to call her out on that one!
"What has ensued is yet another 'manufactured media feud' that is needed to feed websites and empty air time," she adds, shifting the blame.
As for her 35-inch waist recommendation. "I did hear that on Dr. Oz, but it's also stated on websites such as The Center For Disease Control, Harvard University and The American Diabetes Association."
"And by the way," she quips, "my waist is 37 inches."
Graham claimed she'd never heard an apology out of Tiegs. Well, she can't say that now!
"Please accept my deepest apology if you were offended or in any way think I was referring to you," Tiegs writes in the letter. "I commend you on the positive influence you have on helping women to love themselves."
"I worry about the influence that print media has on this issue and I care about the health of all Americans," she adds. "If it becomes the norm, then what happens with rates of diabetes, cancer and heart disease? This has nothing to do with beauty. I care about health and longevity for everyone."
What do you think of this new development? Let us know in the comments!
