This America's Next Top Model Contestant Fat-Shamed A Group Of Male Models, And Tyra Banks Had Something To Say About It
America's Next Top Model has become somewhat of a TV constitution for many. The show has been running since 2003, and across it's 24 cycles, viewers have had their fair share of opinions on contestants. Each season, the contestants live together and lots of the bitchiness that's seen on camera is out of eye and earshot of the judges, including Tyra Banks herself, so lots of the going's on aren't seen until post-production, or even until the show airs.
The latest cycle showed a challenge for a group of the contestants where they hosted a casting call for brawn (plus size) male models to pose alongside them and Zach Miko. Off set in a confessional, contestant Rio said, “To be honest with you, overweight guys like that are not cute. Work out, let's get healthy. But hey, do you, boo-boo.”
Her confessional didn't go down very well, with many viewers calling her out for fat-shaming, arguing that someone else made the same comment about plus size women, she would shut down the comments. The best social media comment, though, came from the head judge Tyra herself, who was quick to clap back at Rio's comments.
The tweet said: “Hear me now, and hear me loud. A DAD BOD SHOULD BE APPRECIATED LIKE A ROCK HARD BOD. We celebrate thick women, now it's time to celebrate the thick fellas.”
Not only is it great that Tyra called out Rio for her comments, but it's also great that she chose to bring in plus size male models for the show, as it's common for the male castings in the show to represent just the ripped, muscular bodies. Body positivity and self love is not exclusive to women only, and men are often left out of the equation due to the rapid popularity surrounding female bodies.
CAN WE GET AN AMEN?