Sports Illustrated Ashley Graham Disses Cheryl Tiegs Slam Of Non-Skinny Figure: Industry Needs To Change

Sports Illustrated models Ashley Graham and Cheryl Tiegs were unwittingly pitted against each other over the issue of weight standards. Ashley Graham, along with MMA fighter Ronda Rousey and model Hailey Clauson, is the magazine's choice for one of the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition covers. Cheryl Tiegs, on the other hand, was featured a few times on Sports Illustrated during her heyday.

According to E! News, Tiegs, who maintains the traditionally accepted figure of female fashion models, did not approve of Sports Illustrated featuring Graham for this year's Swimsuit Edition. Tiegs is in accord with Dr. Oz in that women should stay within a 35-inch waistline limit. Tiegs conceded that Graham has a beautiful face; however, she said that women with a figure similar to that of Graham are unhealthy. Cheryl Tiegs pointed out that having Ashley Graham on Sports Illustrated sets up full, curvy figures as glamorous.

People reported that Graham responded to Tiegs with candor. The former said that she is unaffected by the comments Tiegs made. When Graham first learned about what Tiegs said, she rolled her eyes and thought the words typical of women similar to Tiegs.

"But what's great is that -- the fact that she said it -- It means that other women think like her and what that means is that we really need to change the industry," Graham said. "There are too many people thinking they can look at a girl my size and say that we are unhealthy. You can't, only my doctor can!"

Bao Tranchi custom dress last night had me feeling like I was wearing a piece of art! #beautybeyondsize pic.twitter.com/CQRc4urrti

— Ashley Graham (@theashleygraham) February 29, 2016

Tiegs has yet to direct her apology to Graham in particular. However, Toronto Sun reported that Tiegs responded to the public backlash over her words and took to Twitter to make a general apology.

My sincere apologies to everyone I have hurt. I truly just want everyone to be healthy & happy.

— Cheryl Tiegs (@CherylTiegs) February 26, 2016