Cheryl Tiegs Apologies to Ashley Graham Again, This Time With an Open Letter
Cheryl Tiegs has issued yet another apology for making those unnecessary and untrue comments about Ashley Graham and her new Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover. In an open letter to Ashley published on The Huffington Post on Friday, Cheryl says her answer to the “generic question” was based on “health concerns because of our nation’s increasing problems with weight linked to diabetes, heart issues, and cancer.” Cheryl is calling the situation a “manufactured media feud” and says she just cares about the “health of all Americans.” She also mentions how she heard about the “35-inch waist as a guideline to health” from Dr. Oz - which is basically how this whole thing started last week.
I was not equating beauty to weight or size, but unfortunately that is what the media reported in headlines. I was trying to express my concern over media images and the lack of education in America about healthy choices, thus the reference to the 35-inch waist as a guideline to health. 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, my waist is 37 inches.
I worry about the influence that print media has on this issue and I care about the health of all Americans. If it becomes the norm, then what happens with rates of diabetes, cancer and heart disease? This has nothing to do with beauty.
Please accept my deepest apology if you were offended or in any way think I was referring to you. I commend you on the positive influence you have on helping women to love themselves.
Meanwhile, here’s Ashley on the set of Good Morning America earlier today, when she blessed the show with her presence and gave three very lucky ladies a makeover with help from her first ready-to-wear collection.
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