Cheryl Tiegs Slams Ashley Graham's 'Full-Figured' Sports Illustrated Cover

Cheryl Tiegs criticized model Ashley Graham's Sports Illustrated cover Wednesday, claiming that promoting "full-figured" women actually pushes an unhealthy lifestyle.

"I don't like that we're talking about full-figured women because it's glamorizing them because your waist should be smaller than 35 (inches)," Tiegs told "E! News" Wednesday at the 13th Annual Global Green USA Pre-Oscar Party. "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."

This year, 28-year-old Graham became the first plus-sized model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated's famed swimsuit issue in the publication's 52-year history, according to JustJared.com.

Tiegs, who herself appeared on multiple SI covers, was roundly slammed online for her comments on Graham's cover.

LOL what? Didn't realize #CherylTiegs was an MD. https://t.co/eXNzogbjqP PS - STFU

— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) February 26, 2016

Really #CherylTiegs ? Like it's not difficult enough in this world dealing with body image. Women should be supporting each other. Smh.

— akaTrigger (@akaTrigger) February 26, 2016

Cheryl Tiegs is not even pretty! Jealousy is a sick disease!! #CherylTiegs

— Heather (@hmonczki) February 26, 2016

Tiegs attempted to defend her comments, taking to Twitter with a clarification, saying she was only trying to promote a healthy lifestyle.

To clarify re bodyweight. Being anorexic/bulimic/overweight all connected to health problems. I want all to be as healthy as they can.

— Cheryl Tiegs (@CherylTiegs) February 26, 2016

But that tweet hardly slowed the criticism of the former model.

.@CherylTiegs no, you don't, or you wouldn't have that uneducated opinion. You are sending the wrong message to young women...all women.

— jodi kogan (@jodijodijodi) February 26, 2016

@CherylTiegs I'm disappointed in you. Ashley is a beautiful/healthy woman; just because she's not a stick figure doesn't mean she is obese.

— Kristin: Two Cannoli (@AustinKVS) February 26, 2016

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