Tyra Banks Comments on ANTM Casting Call Chaos
March 16, 2009 by Erin Balser
On Saturday, at the New York casting call for Cycle 13 of America’s Next Top Model, chaos erupted in the crowd. Thousands of girls had come out to audition for the first petite cycle of ANTM, and the disorganized auditions, long line, and confusion resulted in a stampede. People were trampled, clothing was lost and six people were injured and three others being arrests for disorderly conduct. You can read more about the events of that day at this post. There are several first-hand accounts in the comments.
No one knows for certain what caused the stampede. Tyra Banks and ANTM’s executive producer Ken Mok released an official statement commenting on the events that occurred.
“We are concerned by the events that occurred Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of the New York City casting call for the next cycle of America’s Next Top Model,” they said in an official email statement. “At this time, we still don’t know all the details of what happened or what triggered the incident. We appreciate the efforts of the NYPD and will assist them in any way possible in this matter.”
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is insistent that the incident have bene avoided, if only the orgnizaers requested more security from the city.
“You’ve just got to, in advance, arrange for security,” he said.
I’m saddened by the events too. Based on the many commenters and news reports, it sound as though Tyra and co are, in part, to blame for the incident. Their lack of organization, lack of communication and lax security seemed to have triggered a mob mentality. However, it is far too soon to tell exactly what happened. The NYPD are investigating and hopefully some light will be shed on the matter soon.
Tyra has released a second statement, promising that those who missed auditioning because of the NYC circumstances will be offered a second chance.
“To all the Top Model hopefuls who were affected by the New York casting, we are doing everything we can to make sure that ALL the girls who weren’t seen, get an opportunity to audition – we’ll update you on our plans very soon,” she writes in an email statement. “It is so important to me to redefine beauty, and make sure that everyone gets a fair chance to pursue their dream. I am beyond excited for Cycle 13; for the first time ever, young women 5′7″ and under have a shot at becoming America’s Next Top Model! I encourage each girl to come out ready to rock the runway and show off their fiercest pose. I’m rooting for all of you!”
I’m glad Tyra is giving these girls another opportunity. I can only hope it’s a better organized one!
Image graciously provided by reader Shirley
this messed up the Dallas casting which has now turned to TBD instead of the W! I am outraged! i really was interested in trying out for this casting being that I am 5′7!
wow, this is all so unnecessary and sad. so easily preventable too!
Tyra Banks is wasting our time with this NYC audition. She saw the same video we saw right? Those females were too black and too fat. TV does not need NYC’s hoodrat model wannabes wasting viewers’ time. Black attitudes and arrogance started that audition fracas Saturday. The show does not need to give any of those losers a second glance.
STATEMENT BY TYRA BANKS:
“To all the Top Model hopefuls who were affected by the New York casting, we are doing everything we can to make sure that ALL the girls who weren’t seen, get an opportunity to audition – we’ll update you on our plans very soon. It is so important to me to redefine beauty, and make sure that everyone gets a fair chance to pursue their dream. I am beyond excited for Cycle 13; for the first time ever, young women 5′7″ and under have a shot at becoming America’s Next Top Model! I encourage each girl to come out ready to rock the runway and show off their fiercest pose. I’m rooting for all of you!”
yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
im gona get another chance
Do anyone know where i can find the site taht shows the location for the LA casting call??
Does**
What Is TBD ?
To Be Determined.
To Lyn,
That was a hateful and unnescessry comment. I was at that casting. And it was full of beautiful women. The only thing they did wrong about the casting in NYC is they made the terrible mistake of underestimating the model capitol of the country. And just because someone isn’t a size 2 doesn’t mean she cant be beutiful. And just because she comes from a hard background, doesn’t mean she doesn’t aspire to get to a better place. so maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge.
To Lyn,
I was also at that casting, my friend and I waited 11 hours in the freezing cold, running on no sleep or food, and holding our bladders. We then got knocked to the ground as a wave domino effect of the crowd was pushed. Then we were told that it was over. We went through torture! All i wanted to do was hand in my application and photos because I know I would have made it. And for your info, I am caucasian and 5′7”! It’s a shame what myself and others had to go through that day and it ended up being for nothing! I reall truly hope Tyra sets up another casting for us, the ones that went through so much!- CT
Lyn,
you are a disgusting racist. Go preach your hatred at the KKK you loser.