Backtrack after backlash. Cheryl Tiegs has apologized following her controversial remarks about Sports Illustrated plus-size model Ashley Graham.
Tiegs, 68, who was inducted into the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’s 40th anniversary Hall of Fame in 2004, cleared the air via Twitter on Friday, February 26.
“My sincere apologies to everyone I have hurt,” she wrote at the time. “I truly just want everyone to be healthy & happy.”
As previously reported, the ’80s supermodel first slammed Graham, 28, for her curves during an interview with E! News. “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],” she said. “That’s what Dr. Oz said, and I’m sticking to it. No, I don’t think it’s healthy. Her face is beautiful. Beautiful. But I don’t think it’s healthy in the long run.”
Tiegs later tried to clarify her comments, but the damage was already done.
“Cheryl Tiegs calls plus-size SI swimsuit cover ‘unhealthy’ Right, because plastic surgery and eating disorders are better,” one commenter tweeted last week. A second added: “Wow. I’ve lost all respect for Cheryl Tiegs (not that I was really a big fan in the past).”
Graham, meanwhile, has yet to respond to Tiegs. Instead, she showed off her curves in a form-fitting Bao Tranchi red dress at the 88th Academy Awards in L.A. on Sunday. She joked about how difficult it was to find a gown while co-hosting the E! News Live From the Red Carpet Oscars pre-show.
“Trying to find a dress for the Oscars, girls my size — these girls this size,” she said, pointing to her cleavage. “I mean it has been a whole job in itself. So I am happy tonight with my outfit.”
