Plus Sized Models: Too Big to Be Healthy?
Major networks ABC and NBC have rejected a new commercial from fashion retailer Lane Bryant that features plus-sized models.
The 30-second ad features curvy models, including Ashley Graham. Graham made history recently when she graced the cover of Sports Ilustrated, the first plus-sized model to do so.
Graham and other full-figured models in the spot are seen wearing lingerie and underwear. One woman is shown nude and breastfeeding a baby.
Lane Bryant said it made the video to "celebrate and honor women of all shapes and sizes." According to TMZ, NBC asked the plus-size retailer to make a "minor edit" to comply with broadcast guidelines."
"As part of the normal advertising standards process, we reviewed a rough cut of the ad and asked for minor edits to comply with broadcast indecency guidelines," NBC said in a statement. "The ad was not rejected and we welcome the updated creative."
But Lane Bryant posted the ad on their Facebook page, saying, "The networks didn't want you to see this. But we do. Share. Tag. Show everyone what #ThisBody's made for."
Meanwhile, former Cover Girl model Cheryl Tiegs recently criticized plus-sized models, calling them "unhealthy."
Tiegs made the comments when asked about plus-sized model Ashley Graham's appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
"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)," Tiegs, who has also been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, said.
"That's what Dr. Oz said, and I'm sticking to it," she explained. "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 apologized for her comments on Twitter, tweeting, "My sincere apologies to everyone I have hurt," she wrote on Twitter. "I truly just want everyone to be healthy & happy."