Tyra Banks has apologized for stirring controversy with an America’s Next Top Model promo in which the retired catwalker seems to praise a 6’2″ model with a shockingly tiny waist.

Banks has suffered harsh criticism over the past week for commending Dallas Top Model hopeful Ann for having “the smallest waist in the world.”

In the trailer for the forthcoming Cycle 15 of the show, Ann emerged before the panel in a waist-hugging corset, prompting Tyra to exclaim: “You have the smallest waist in the world.” She then turned to her fellow judges and said: “There’s something about her that I like.”

Runway expert J. Alexander — AKA Miss J — was unnerved by the size and gripped Ann’s waist to demonstrate how frighteningly thin she is.

Tyra’s “waist” comment drew the ire of feminist bloggers at Jezebel.com, who wrote: “Given her history, Tyra probably doesn’t want to promote a totally unrealistic image of female anatomy. But by going gaga for a girl who’s almost certainly shrunk her already tiny waist using corsets, that’s exactly what she’s doing.”

The “Great Waist Debate” also appeared to upset faithful ANTM viewers, because over the years, the show has made a point of spotlighting models of different shapes, sizes, and colors.

“Seeing judges drool (or pretend to drool) over a skeletal girl in an industry that already worships unrealistic size zero frames is a new take for the show, and it just continues a year that has seen some major ups and downs in terms of body image in the modeling industry,” AOL.com Stylelist blog editors wrote.

Last week’s clip prompted a host of headlines including — “Get Ready For ‘America’s Next Top Circus Freak,’” (The Frisky), and “Tyra Banks, Champion or Hypocrite?” from Chicago Now.

Banks is now apologizing for her flippancy. Tyra insists that she didn’t see the promo before it was released.

“In an effort to create a fun and entertaining sneak peak of the upcoming cycle, America’s Next Top Model released a trailer that was edited in way that misconstrued our overarching message,” Banks wrote in a statement posted to her Official Blog on Monday.

“As a leader in celebrating and promoting healthy body image, I must admit that I regrettably didn’t see this clip before it was released to the public, (with multiple Top Model departments, it’s just impossible to review everything) but on behalf of the ‘Top Model’ team, these were not the intentions, and we truly apologize for any confusion, anger or disappointment it may have caused.”

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 15 premiers on September 8 PM on The CW.

America’s Next Top Model host/creator Tyra Banks has hit the Web to find a few lovelies for the upcoming 15 cycle of the TV modeling competition.

“This is a chance for you to be seen by ME! Forget about those long lines, and just send ‘em right here,” Tyra announced in a video message posted to her website on Monday. “I will be looking at ALL of your pictures and choosing the girl that’s going to fly to California to be on Top Model! I wanna see all of you! From the Fiercely Real (ya know, plus sized) to the “straight” (skinny) models, just doin’ your thang. Ya just gotta be 5’7” and over.”

Interested young women, between the ages of 18 and 27, are asked to send four photos of themselves in a swimsuit to be considered for the competition. The Emmy-winning former supermodel will post the winning photos on her website.

The 14th cycle of ANTM premieres March 10 on The CW.

CLICK HERE to apply!

A new season of Tyra Bank’s America’s Next Top Model is upon us, and fashion fans are in for another cycle of high heels and even higher drama. Tyra and The CW have unveiled the 14 aspiring young stunners who will compete for the title of the Fashion World’s Next Big Thing on the Cycle 14 of America’s Next Top Model, kicking off March 10. We’ve snagged a look at the harem of stiletto-wearing hotties who will be pushed to the limit in a series of interesting challenges this season.

Check out the ANTM Cycle 14 Contestant Interviews After The Jump…..

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Alasia

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Alexandra

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Angela

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Anslee

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Brenda

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Gabrielle

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Jessica

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Krista

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Jessica

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Naduah

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Raina

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Ren

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Simone

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Interview – Tatianna

Tyra & Co. are back for a new season of TV’s favorite reality model search. The 14th cycle of America’s Next Top Model — featuring new judge and Vogue Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley — premiere on The CW March 10. Here’s a sneak peek at the new season. (Click Here For Pics & Bios of The Cycle 14 contestants…….)

America’s Next Top Model Trailer – Aimee:

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Trailer – Dreckitude:

America’s Next Top Model 14 – Buzzing 2:

America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14 Trailer – Tatianna:

It’s Official: On Monday, larger than life Vogue Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley will join the judging panel of Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model when the fashion-centric reality hit returns for its 14th Cycle on March 10.

Talley, 60, will join host Tyra, photographer Nigel Barker, and a weekly guest judge on The CW series next season. Talley — a regular at fashion shows in New York, Paris, London and Milan — will replace Miss. J Alexander, who will remain apart of the Top Model family as the contestants’ runway coach.

Hide your Blackberries and lock up the children, Naomi’s high-stepping her way to the small screen. Hellraising British supermodel Naomi Campbell is in chats to follow in the footsteps of frenemy Tyra Banks by fronting her own reality modeling competition on television in the UK.

A rep for the troubled “It Girl of The ’90s” has confirmed that the catty catwalk maven has been offered a role hosting a new show in Britain, similar to America’s Next Top Model and Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency – both of which are big hits stateside.

“Naomi has been approached with an offer, which we are talking about and discussing … but nothing has been set in stone yet,” Naomi’s publicist told Britain’s Daily Mail on Wednesday.

America’s Next Top Model is about to get a facelift.

Tyra Banks, host and executive producer of The CW’s long-running runway competition, has tapped former Chanel muse and Baby Phat founder Kimora Lee Simmons as a judge on the forthcoming 14th cycle of ANTM.

This won’t be Kimora’s first foray sharing the small screen with her on-again/off-again bestie — she formerly appeared as a judge on the first season of Top Model, alongside ex-supermodel Janice Dickinson.

Eddie Murphy and his teen daughter Bria will be making an appearance on the finale of The CW’s America’s Next Top Model on Nov. 18.

Will the comedy legend be lending his fashion sense to the catwalk mavens? Not quite. According to E!’s Kristin Dos Santos, Eddie will be in the house to cheer on Bria, who will appear with the Top Model finalists in the show. Here’s a picture of the 19-year-old beauty at a recent event in Los Angeles with her ex-model mom Nicole Murphy.

Oh Tyra, controversy’s a’comin: On tonight’s edition of America’s Next Top Model: Petite Edition, Tyra sends the six remaining models to Maui for the remainder of the competition after their house is contaminated. Little do they know the wig-wearing mogul is about transform them into biracial models.

Biracial models? As in Blackface on White Chicks? Why do I have a feeling this is going to be $hit?

ANTM airs tonight @ 8PM on The CW.