LOS ANGELES — Former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs has graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue several times.
But she has an issue with one of this year’s cover models.
The popular magazine featured three women — Ronda Rousey, Ashley Graham, and Hailey Clauson — on three different covers.
Because one just wasn’t enough. Here are your THREE 2016 #SISwim cover models! https://t.co/Akav137QKh pic.twitter.com/doCJAKGkE0
— Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 14, 2016
Graham is the first plus-size model to be featured on the cover of the magazine.
Tiegs told E! News she disagrees with that decision.
“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]. That’s what Dr. Oz said, and I’m sticking to it,” she explained in the interview. “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.”
Graham — who has not responded to Tiegs’ comments — took to Instagram after learning she would be featured on the cover of the iconic magazine.
“Truly speechless!!! This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn’t beautiful enough because of her size. You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to,” she wrote on her post.
Fans slammed Tiegs on Twitter and other social media for her comments about Graham.
https://twitter.com/nocaresgiven11/status/703141643981983744
@CherylTiegs Stop. You are not the standard anymore. Women come in all shapes and sizes, why not celebrate that? You are not a doctor.
— Artistic Wings (@artisticwings) February 26, 2016
I've tried to teach my daughters that sometimes you should just NOT say something. Apparently #CherylTiegs hasn't figured this out at 68.
— Alex Flinn — pre-order Love Jacaranda now! (@Alex_Flinn) February 26, 2016
So @CherylTiegs is a hateful person….too bad, but Ashley is awesome….#nebraskaproud
— Poppa Jo-Dice (@PoppaJoDice) February 26, 2016
Tiegs took to her Facebook page to try to clarify her comments.
“I would like to clarify my thoughts regarding bodyweight,” Tiegs wrote. “I don’t think being anorexic, bulimic or overweight are healthy. All of these can be connected to serious health issues. I want everyone to be as healthy as they can be.”