INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Ashley Graham Wants Chubby Women To Compete In Miss USA Pageant

By Val Powell
Published on: 19:59 PST, Jun 5, 2016

It seems like plus-size model Ashley Graham, has found a perfect platform to voice her opinion about body diversity in the world of modeling and beauty pageants.

Ashley Graham served as a backstage host at the 2016 Miss USA pageant, and gave the viewers a glimpse of what was happening behind the scenes. She interviewed some of the contestants as the model asked for the ladies’ opinion in every round of the contest.

As the gorgeous contestants walked off the stage, Ashley Graham commented on how daunting it is to march in front of so many people while wearing a swimsuit. As a model, she certainly knows the feeling. The best part of her Miss USA hosting stint was when she managed to send a powerful message about increasing body diversity in events such as the contest.

“Pageants now, I’m hoping, are going to start putting curvy and plus-size women in front of the camera,” Ashley Graham said.

The model is very outspoken when it comes to being a curvy celebrity in the modeling industry. Speaking to People about her recent hosting job, Ashley Graham shared how important it was for her to be able to host Miss USA 2016.

“I think by having me host backstage, it’s opened up this door and this question of well, why haven’t we had anybody?” the Sports Illustrated cover girl recently told People. “What is stopping us from having us have a very curvaceous woman come in and win Miss USA or even be a contestant?”

She earned praises from Twitter users for her powerful commentary. Many of them are happy that the model was able to take a stand for plus-size women everywhere. Nevertheless, some social media users found it awkward that she was talking about being curvy while there were skinny women around.

However, many are still hoping to find a plus-size woman join the prestigious beauty pageant in the near future. Apart from her stint, social media users also praised her red carpet look.

The 28-year-old model showed off her curves in a cleavage-baring blue dress. The floor-length frock, designed by St. John, featured an empire waist that highlighted her hourglass figure. Ashley Graham slipped into a silver figure-hugging dress afterward for her backstage hosting job.

She looked sensational in her gown and simple makeup.

Ashley Graham, who is known for her warrior attitude and confidence, proved that every woman is beautiful no matter what her size. Since her career requires displaying her body before the cameras, she is not immune to harsh criticism regarding her weight.

After Maxim featured Ashley Graham for its March issue, many critics including Cheryl Tiegs, were unhappy with the magazine’s move, saying it “glamorizes” being overweight.

However, Ashley Graham continues to advocate for curvy models, and she does not let other people’s negative remarks affect her work. She was the first plus-size model Maxim has ever featured. In February, she made history by becoming the first curvy model to have a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spread.

She also graced the cover of the magazine.

“I know these celebrity entrepreneurs are just people. They’ve just been given the right opportunities and have soared with them. And that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m gonna take over,” Ashley Graham said of her modeling stint for Maxim.

The full-figured model posed nude on the cover of the said magazine.

It looks like Ashley Graham has affected many people with her meaningful commentary in a beauty contest where only one body type is being considered “beautiful.” It is exciting to see if her hopeful words will bring about a huge change in the world of modeling and pageantry.

[Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated]

Share this article: Ashley Graham Wants Chubby Women To Compete In Miss USA Pageant
miss usa ashley graham
More from Inquisitr