Tyra Banks, the new host of Dancing With The Stars, is speaking out against the rumors she allegedly banned ladies from the Real Housewives franchises from competing on the show. After RHOP star Ashley Darby and RHONY alum Bethenny Frankel spoke out against the reported claims, Tyra finally issued her response.
Tyra Banks signed on to replace longtime DWTS host Tom Bergeron back in July. When the surprising switch was announced, the show claimed they wanted to move in a new direction with their host and panel of judges. Tyra has received mixed reviews about her hosting since the season premiere. But she has managed to push through, despite her word hiccups and slip-ups. She recently had to apologize during the live show after naming the wrong two competitors for the bottom two.
Now, fresh off the heels of her live blunder, Tyra has been accused of some mean girl tactics against some popular Bravolebrities. There were reports that the new host reportedly wanted to ban any Real Housewives from competing on DWTS over thoughts they wouldn't bring in any ratings. “Tyra is the new boss and made it clear that she didn’t want any more 'Housewives' in her ballroom," an insider told OK! Magazine on October 19. "She thinks the show needs to aim higher and only book the ladies after everyone else has passed." But according to Tyra, that's all a bunch of lies, and she actually is a huge Housewives fan.
“This is 100 percent untrue,” Tyra’s publicist, Elana Rose told Page Six on Thursday. “She’s a huge fan of the Housewives and everyone knows Tyra is a businesswoman first. As a businesswoman, why would she say anything against the Housewives? She has nothing to do with casting.” Tyra has a history with a few of the Atlanta housewives. She and Cynthia Bailey modeled alongside each other, and Eva Marcille won season three of Tyra's hit 2000s show America's Next Top Model.
It turns out Tyra is such a big fan of the franchise, she even “just tried to get one of her really good friends on the Housewives,” Elana revealed. In addition, her publicist says the supermodel and TV personality “watches the shows” and “loves them.” It's said that Tyra is a big fan of NeNe Leakes, who has competed on DWTS in the past. Good to see Tyra clear up these scandalous rumors because we all know a housewife is the last person you want to have issues with.
Source: OK! Magazine, Page Six