Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ashley Graham: Body positivity advert starring plus-sized model 'banned by two major US TV networks'

US retailer Lane Byrant - who commissioned the commercial - say the commercial is designed to 'celebrate and honor women of all shapes and sizes'

Caroline Mortimer
Saturday 12 March 2016 01:28 GMT
Comments
Ashley Graham attends the Sports Illustrated Celebrates Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham attends the Sports Illustrated Celebrates Swimsuit 2016 (Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A lingerie advert starring the first plus-size model to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated has allegedly been rejected by two US TV networks.

The unaired commercial - which stars Ashley Graham and several other plus-sized models - was reportedly rejected for broadcast by major networks ABC and NBC, according to TMZ.

The advert features several models kickboxing, posing nude and one is seen breastfeeding.

The gossip website claims the body positivity advert, made by US lingerie company Lane Byrant, was rejected because of the size of the models rather than nudity as Victoria Secret commercials featuring thinner women are often shown on the channel.

A representative for NBC said they had asked Lane Byrant to make “minor edits” to the advert as “part of the normal advertising standards process”.

They said the commercial was not rejected and they will “welcome the updated creative”.

Edwina Currie calls Ashley Graham 'obese'

But a Lane Bryant representative told People magazine: "The THIS BODY campaign was meant to be a fun way for us to celebrate and honor women of all shapes and sizes.

"What is too much for some does not hold true for others. All women should be celebrated and feel empowered to express themselves as they see fit.

“We want her to know she can attract as much media attention, look just as striking as any woman, and decide what beautiful means to her."

The Independent has contacted ABC for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in