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'Tyra is the problem with America': Tyra Banks slammed after video emerges of her body shaming Robin Manning

Claims that Banks mistreated upcoming talent were not uncommon after some scenes of her being highly critical of the models in the competition made their way to the Internet

Tyra Banks, 48, has been slammed for the disregardful remarks she once made on a model during season one of her show 'America's Next Top Model' that came in the year 2003. Recently, a series of obnoxious clips resurfaced on social media in which she and her co-judges were seen branding a size six contestant ''plus-size,'' ''fat,'' and ''huge.'' A TikTok user shared a compilation video that showed how season one contestant Robin Manning, now 46, was repeatedly humiliated by the former supermodel and her panel of fashion experts at that time.

Despite being a slim size six during her appearance on ANTM, the clips show Tyra labeling Robin as ''plus-size,'' while ex-model Janice Dickinson, who was a panelist on the show, described her as ''fat'' and ''huge.'' Plus-size is defined as anything size 12 and up in the non-fashion world. While the fashion industry since ANTM debuted in 2003, models much smaller than size 12 were deemed plus-size at the time and often are.

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''Are we shooting for the large size category?'' Dickinson asks while looking at a picture of Manning, who was 27 years old at the time, in the video. ''Yes, Robin would represent a plus-size model,'' Banks explains while looking at a photo: ''One problem that I do have is that on the top she's not plus-sized, and on the bottom, she is,'' the show host continues.

"Robin's out, as far as I'm concerned about being a supermodel,'' Dickinson states. ''The next America's Next Top Model is not a plus-sized model, I'm sorry!'', says Dickinson while expressing her dislike for the contestant. Later in the video, Dickinson insults Robin, saying she's ''fat'' and ''huge,'' and that she's 'not going to be a top model, but "rather a car model." Whereas, Banks appeared to be more compassionate. In a separate video, she responds to Dickinson's comments, claiming that she is "the problem with America."

She added, ''I think you are the problem of why women are leaning over the toilets at this very moment and vomiting after they've eaten.'' And further said 'I just wish her (Manning) upper body was bigger and matched her lower body better.'' Blanks also criticized Manning for her wardrobe choice for a photo shoot: "Do you have to be covered all the time?", Banks says referring to a sarong Manning was wearing with her bikini. Banks harsh criticism left Manning crying.

On the other hand, Judge Beau Quillian tries to avoid the issue more subtly, stating that she is ''too old to start modeling.'' He then brings up her size in the context of her refusal to compete in the nude photo shoot due to religious beliefs. ''I was disappointed that you did not put yourself out there to represent women of different sizes,'' he says.

During that time people did not pay much attention to the issue and Manning. They rather acted less sympathetic towards Manning. However, now after the compilation video surfaced on the internet many of the former fans of the show feel that Manning did not deserve to be ridiculed by the judges. People reacted to the TikTok video and slammed Banks and other judges. "They should honestly issue a public apology to Robin. Not ok,'' one user wrote in the comments section of the TikTok video.

"Robin is absolutely beautiful. It’s disgusting watching the judges tear her down and then expect her to be this confident woman. It’s borderline bullying,'' another wrote. The video was also shared on Twitter. "That was plus size?? If that model was plus size then what does that make the French woman who said there’s no market for plus size in France? Nah everybody who’s a judge on that show needs to apologize", a user wrote.

"Tyra banks was literally the same size as the lady and she was still modeling so I don't understand why they kept saying plus size", another user wrote. "Whole damn show was a hate crime against women’s bodies. Especially black women they clowned everything about us and Tyra was there to okay it all smh", one user wrote.

"And I can’t believe I grew up watching it obsessed with it , not realising how damaging it was to one’s self esteem".

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.