The former supermodel was slammed for her comments about Graham's looks.
Former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs is backtracking after comments she made about the plus-size model that appears on the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Read: Sports Illustrated Features 56-Year-Old Model and Plus-Size Siren Ashley Graham
Tiegs, 68, sent out a tweet clarifying her criticism: “Being anorexic/bulimic/overweight all connected to health problems. I want all to be as healthy as they can."
Tiegs, considered the world's first supermodel, was the Sports Illustrated cover girl three times in the 1970s, and again in 1989.
In startling comments to E! News at a pre-Oscar party, she launched a surprise attack on size-16 Ashley Graham.
“Actually, I don't like it that we're talking about full figured women because it's glamorizing them,” she said. “Your waist should be smaller than 35. That's what Dr. Oz said and I’m sticking to it. No, I don't think it's healthy. Her face is beautiful, beautiful, but I don't think it's healthy in the long run.”
Dr. Oz's website does indeed say: “A waist size over 35 inches in women...greatly increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and more.”
Read: Ronda Rousey Wears Nothing But Body Paint For Sports Illustrated Cover
Graham did not respond to our calls for a comment but when IE spoke to her last week, she said she’s proud of her curves.
“I am not the stereotypical straight size skinny model. I am what people consider plus size, curvy, I like to say curv-a-sex-a-licious. I've got cellulite fat rolls, things that jiggle,” she said.
Watch: Size 12 Teen Model Proudly Flaunts Body in String Bikini for New Ad
