Cheryl Tiegs Clarifies Criticism of Ashley Grahama's Sports Illustrated Cover

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By Chelsea Peng published 26 February 16

The internet got in formation when former SI Swimsuit Issue model Cheryl Tiegs criticized the magazine's latest cover for "glamorizing full-figured women," and now, she's defending her controversial statement about Ashley Graham's "unhealthy" body.

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"I don't think it's healthy," Tiegs, 68, said in an interview with E! News on Wednesday. "Her face is beautiful, beautiful. But I don't think it's healthy in the long run. I don't like it that we're talking about full-figured women because were glamorizing them, and your waist should be smaller than 35 [inches]. That's what Dr. Oz said, and I'm sticking to it."

After social media users jumped to Graham's defense, Tiegs posted a tweet of her own.

For her part, Graham has stayed silent, except to remind her followers to vote for her for Rookie of the Year—a title she may very well win as it depends on the opinion of the many, not the few.

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Chelsea Peng

I'm Chelsea Peng, the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. On my tombstone, I would like a GIF of me that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, I'm into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard I have to go lie down.