America's Next Top Model creator and host Tyra Banks is responding to pleas from jilted wannabe models who didn't get to audition for the CW reality modeling competition's thirteenth season because of the melee that broke out outside the show's casting call and pledging that everyone will get their chance to audition for the show.
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"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," Banks said in a statement released via The CW's website Monday afternoon.
Many auditioners who attended the New York City auditions had vented their frustration after not being able to get their shot to audition for America's Next Top Model's thirteenth addition. Because the auditions contained unique restrictions and only accepted women who were 5'7 and under -- well below the height that most modeling agencies generally require for their models -- many of the auditioners felt that the abandoned casting call had cost them their only chance at pursuing a modeling career.
Banks said in her statement that she would do everything she could to give the auditioners that shot.
"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!" she said. "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!"
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The wild scene outside the New York's casting call for America's Next Top Model occurred on Saturday afternoon outside Manhattan's Park Central New York Hotel -- where the casting call for the show was being held.
After a car began smoking in the street near the crowd of waiting auditioners that were tightly packed onto the sidewalk outside the hotel, hundreds of people began stampeding from the scene, according to eyewitnesses, after false rumors that the vehicle contained a bomb began circulating through the crowd.
Two people were sent to the hospital while four other declined treatment for injuries. In addition, two other women and a man were arrested for disorderly conduct.
Police shut down the audition following the melee, and later blamed America's Next Top Model's producers for the incident, saying they had not properly notified the authorities of the size of the crowd they were expecting for the auditions.
About The Author: Steven Rogers