Tyra Banks Dodges Question On Janice Dickinson And Paulina Porizkova Firings (VIDEO)

Tyra Banks has unveiled her real hair and worn a sign revealing her weight, but just try to get her to address the firings of her fellow judges on 'America's Next Top Model.' Cynthia McFadden did on Nightline Wednesday night. She failed.

"Both Paulina Porizkova and Janice Dickinson, when they left the show, were not very nice about you," McFadden said, mispronouncing Porizkova. If the basic stumble over her fellow former supermodel's last name was a source of glee for Tyra, she did not let on as she smiled with her eyes and seethed with her soul.

"Let's not go there," her publicist interjected.

"I am going to go there. I am going to ask that question," said McFadden before the interview faded to an audition scene. McFadden had lost this battle, but not for want of trying, as ABC's editing was sure to show.

Tyra has blamed the financial crisis for firing Paulina on the eve of her 44th birthday. Paulina said that her enormous ego was cited as the reason.

At least Paulina won't have to wait hours for Tyra to show up for judging this season. A revolving door of models (starting with Chanel Iman last night) and noted fashion experts such as Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian will fill the guest judge seat for Cycle 13.

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Comments

[Ksisay]

Interesting article, but there's an error in the opening sentence. Tyra has yet to unveil her "real hair." What we've seen is her hair treated with a permanent relaxer. Her real hair has yet to see the light of day...

[ElaineHe]

Tyra has rumors following her for a reason. She is clearly a savvy business woman. She also came off smug and condescending in this interview. If she wants to be "taken seriously" - why is her publicist jumping into save her from a tough question? If she's not "materialistic" - why is one of the next things she says is she wants to go buy lots of toys at Toys-R-Us? I don't know her personally, but her TV personality doesn't inspire me to want to (unlike Oprah and Ellen.) It's always great for women to be big in business, but we can't do so at the expense of womanhood. I'm not convinced Tyra isn't more of a sensationalist vs a true lifestyle expert.

[PhDiva]

I didn't find her smug. I think she was trying to do the best she could with an interviewer who was trying to force her to create gossip.

[RJ33]

It's a shame Paulina is lumped in with Janice; the two couldn't be further apart. I loved Paulina on the show, was sad to see her missing from this cycle (didn't realize 'til the opener that she got cut) but there is no reason to feel sorry for her. In fact I don't even know what the story is here.

That interview was horrible: it's Porizkova not Porticova; to get her name wrong twice is ridiculous.

I like Tyra, she's great, I like that she didn't cave on a very ham-handed attempt to put words in her mouth. But if you think for a minute that she wasn't elated that Cynthia said "jealous"... Tyra should have taken the high-er road (she got if half right) by completely shutting it down and saying, 'look I made a business decision, no hard feelings, if you think there's more to it I suggest you get them on your show'. But to allow it to hang there with that demented grin, naaaah you need to rise above that.

[sweetwhine]

It's the Tyra Banks Show.

Not the Janice "I'm such a wrenched witch" Show and certainly not the Paulina Show.

Hello!

[emilyringstrom]

Whatever went on behind the scenes, is private, and I think Tyra had all the right in the world, to continue being private about the matter, as well as her private life.
Let the world continue speculating, in absurdum, as it always has and will.
Personally though, I think Tyra fired Dickinson due to her comments about weight and her public embarrassments as of late. As for Porizkova, I think she's been far too mean and personal with some of the ANTM contestants. Tyra probably wants to keep a healthy perspective on models, their weight and height(considering the latest season's only for the "vertically challenged"), keeping the nasty sides of the fashion industry at bay, somewhat. At least to the viewing audience...

[centsable]

Tyra Banks ROCKS!!! She is an inspiration to a lot of African American girls. Keep your head high Tyra,we love you!!!!!

[sweetwhine]

Yes we do!!!

[exhiliration]

janice is not nice and caring, would you like her to be your mother or your friend. I dont think so. Tyra may not be very very friendly but she is a bussiness woman. and she is a good role model to girls. how many times have you heard of her on drugs or over at a bf's house scratching up his car? she doesnt go about making women feel insecure about their bodies even though one will naturally feel insecure about ones body when standing next to tyra. She is hard because she is a woman, a black woman and young. She needs those nerves of steel because of all those factors already threatening to encumber her.

[youngblood]

Tyra show us again how you pee!

[dlvme2]

I adored Paula, Janice - well not so much. Tyra basically is a witch and hides a lot of herself. Basically she is not a nice person and definitely I would not want to work with her. Most of the America's Next Top Models really do not do much after the show.

[sweetwhine]

Who's Paula? Anyway Janice is the witch. Not Tyra. Tyra is a business woman. Janice and "Paula" should get their own show.

[Chalire Pea]

. I will admit I was smitten with Tyra when antp's early series until I actually started to see her true interior over time. She looks so decietful and phony, why didn't they explain what caused the short models to start a riot? Obviously she doesn't want to talk about the judges she mistreated or the contestants; sure janice isn't the typical polite and mannerly individual but she does have an interior that is NICE and HONEST/ what is wrong with human weakness when their is some wholesomeness there- Tyra has zero! Tyra just fakes her goodness to mindless individuals even after the hints of a few tantroms along the way.she will neevver touch close to oprah ever! It doesn't help a lick that she trys to be just like her , and what is it all for? MONEY! What is the point, shows are only temporary- if theres anyone with the empathy it is Jay the star of the show and has much better chances of being the next Oprah than Tyra. and keep on contradicting yourself with yo skinny self and nice clothes! How do we know what expensive tastes you have when you stay out of the spotlight! scared shitless that we'll catch you spending a little extra unneccessary dough..... time will tell... just give it a few years until everyone will get the fake you.

[WorldGoneWild]

Ha! It will take decades for Tyra to become the next Oprah. She has way too much attitude and ego to seriously offer women life changing advice like Oprah has already done. And as for ANTM, I'm glad I'm not raising a daughter because she would be banned from watching that horrid show.

[plooger]

Watching this video clip, I thought it was funny that Banks was criticizing Dickenson as being the cause of girls "leaning over toilets" because Dickenson was saying some contestant was too fat -- with Banks failing to acknowledge that the existence of a show such as ~next model~ might be nearer the root.

[PC0207]

Huge ego or not, its her show and she's free to do what she wants without having to provide an explanation to anyone. Employers here in FL all the time, its called AT WILL. You can get rid of folks at will! Janice, I will agree, did provide an edge but was I sad to see her go, Heck No! As far as Paulina goes, I had to Google her...enough said!

[Pippen]

Tyra has built a large empire around her much like Oprah. And just like any corporation or egomaniacal owner it has flaws inherent and cascading. It's not about the money or the business or the art it's about the Ego.

In entertainment or art everyone thinks their stuff is better, bigger, higher quality, renown, profound and ready for hall of fame. But the reality is much less than one's own self worth, thats why there are things called Critics.

Janice was always on target, entertaining, and she's earned her loud over the top persona. I enjoyed her and still do. Paulina has earned her position in the industry as well and both should be regarded with respect for what they endured and brought to the work.

Ms Tyra is just exercising her personal ego trip. Nobody will hold her accountable. That's the luxury of being rich and owning the businesses around you. Even if the show's viewership fails she will still be able to claim victory for her successes. All shows fail, all egos melt and all show biz is temporary. The only thing that will remain the test of time is PURE QUALITY.

i.e. Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Lawrence Olivier, etc....

None of which were doomed because of their enormous ego's and they all have them.

Tyra are you reading ?

[aes5678]

When she fired Janice, that show lost it's edge and it has neer recovered... Tyra has moved to the middle for good.

[Debby Lyn]

Tyra can fire whomever she wants because it is HER show. What do Paulina and Janice have going on for them? Nothing. The last time I saw that hot plastic mess (Janice) she was in a jungle with Heidi and Spencer....no wonder she is so miserable. And no one remembered Paulina exisisted until Tyra was kind enough to have that hag as a judge on her show. Tyra, much like Heidi Clum, is doing very well for herself and people are jealous. I love you Tyra!

[believethelie]

Paulina Porizkova is an elegant and beautiful woman, calling her a name like that just doesnt make any sense. There is no valid reason to make such an abusive remark

Don't get me wrong I'm not above name calling, but I at least try to have a good reason, and Paulina is no hag.

[dlvme2]

I felt Paulina was lovely and very real. Janice is a walking disaster - but hey it is Tyra's show and she really does not care for anyone or anything that does not agree with her. That is how it is and I doubt any of us will see the true Diva she is.