America's Next Top Model: Arrests, Injuries At NYC Auditions

NEW YORK — Three people were arrested and six others hurt Saturday after bedlam broke out while they waited to audition for "America's Next Top Model," police said.

Police didn't know what prompted the chaos involving hundreds of people outside the Park Central New York hotel in Manhattan. The panic left the street outside the hotel littered with shoes and clothing, according to news reports.

"It was pretty scary," Jessica Paravati told WNYW-TV. She said she was caught up in a stampede after waiting on line overnight, hoping for a shot at stardom on the reality show.

Two women and a man were arrested on disorderly conduct charges, police said. Authorities also shut down the audition, saying it wasn't properly organized.

Four injured people declined treatment, while two others were taken to a hospital, the fire department said. Their conditions weren't immediately available.

The hotel's phone rang unanswered. Representatives for The CW Network, which airs the show, released a statement saying it was working with authorities investigating the incident.

The model competition is hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, who also serves as its executive producer. The current season began March 4.

Her agent and publicist didn't immediately return telephone calls.

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Banks has said she created the show to counter stereotypes about beauty, and Saturday's auditions were open only to women no taller than 5-foot-7, which is shorter than the industry's conventions.

Tryouts also were being held this month around the country, including in Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.

At least one would-be contestant in the New York throng said the tumult wouldn't stop her from trying again.

"This is my dream, so I'm not going to give up," Gifty Asika told WNBC-TV.

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On the Net:

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/americas-next-top-model11

Comments

[MollyL]

The Huffington Post missed the real story. I was there and I was outraged by everything reported and more. This was so poorly organized and the producers knew that there were going to be problems as early as 3:30 on Sunday morning when the line wrapped around the city block two times. They should have made better arrangements for the security and comfort of the young women who were encouraged to attend. The real story is that the taxpayers of New York City paid for the police to control the crowd because the producers of top model failed to meet their responsibilities and they should reimburse the city for the negligence.

[FdeBear]

Reading this article, I still don't know what happened. I love the show! I love it because its so superficial and I want to see who gets tossed. Plus I like the black guy who wears the stelletos. Fun. Fun. Fun.

[missjabez]

I would say the show is good, clean, fun. I love the makeovers and the photo shoots, but I always feel sorry for the girls who are sent home.

[georgiegirl]

Sorry, but Tyra looks like a Barbie Doll my sister had when she was younger.....Seems like she's had some work done.

[ladydragon]

Tyra looks ridiculous. Fake Fake Fake. Nose job, cheek implants, breast augmentation, hair extensions, contact lenses (hazel). she looks like a (black) white lady

[cyoohoos]

Tyra does not have fack boobs, cheeks or nose. If you watched her show you'd know that.

Now that hair and the contact lenses are fair game for ridicule. But how do her looks differ from that of ANY successful, black model or singer for that matter. Rihanna, Beyonce, Beverly Johnson they all have "European" features. They are basically tanned, Barbie dolls - that is the industry standard.

[elthelight]

I second the comment about this show being most shallow and superficial. Beauty fades and character is what really counts or at least what should count and be on the top of the list of requirements in determining the qualifications for any position. Some of the most beautiful, gifted and talented people in the world are the most difficut to share oxygen with in any environment. We as a country need to re-evaluate what's really important in life. You would think, with all that this country is experiencing right now would be a wake-up call regarding superficiality.

[provgrays]

No publicity is bad publicity.

[RachelMc]

omg tyra's lace wig looks so good....has to be one it looks too good not to be. ugh maybe one day when i get my degree i could afford one too and i wont have to comb my hair ever again!!!

[cyoohoos]

I don't think a wig negates combing your hair. And Tyra can afford the best hair money can buy. That being said, why would you as an educated woman aspire to be able to afford a $$$ wig? There are more important things in life.

[missjabez]

I think Rachel may have been joking :). When I have bad hair days, sometimes I wish I had a wig.

[Feanor]

Gee, all I can say is, Tyra sure is pretty in that picture.

[DoctorWhoDat]

Who won? Did any one win? Will there be another slapdown show?

[learnsomething]

The most shallow, superficial show on television.

[Bitsko]

I was there, and personally received three black eyes, one for each eye.

[slaxx]

here come the lawsuits.

[KCinBK]

the ny daily news has pictures.. of what caused the fray. An overheating late model bmw sedan pulled up alongside the line. The model wannabees started screaming bomb. Pretty dumb.. but what did you expect? Trampling, fighting, and general debauchery ensued. Two arrested for inciting a riot. Not much of new story more comedy to me.

[Bitsko]

Debauchery? Do tell...

[LuLuMax123]

No wonder the industry kept the shorties out. They are more interested in fighting than taking it to the catwalk.

Instead of fighting they should have had a catwalk showdown right there in the street. Silly midgets!

[rektruax]

Hilarious!

[kloche]

Short women gone wild!