In a riveting revelation, supermodel Cindy Crawford has opened up about an astonishing episode from her past, shedding light on a surprising encounter with talk show legend Oprah Winfrey. In the recently premiered docuseries “The Super Models,” Crawford, alongside fashion icons Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, delves into the extraordinary journey that catapulted them into the realm of supermodels.
Published on September 20, 2023, the interview conducted by Jack Hobbs takes us back to the pivotal moment in 1986 when Cindy Crawford made her debut on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Little did she know that this appearance would leave a lasting mark on her, forever etching the memory of Oprah’s audacious request.
At 57, Crawford recalls the moment when Oprah, a formidable figure in the world of entertainment, questioned her worthiness of fame. As the audience eagerly watched, Oprah asked the unexpected, “Did she always have this body?” Crawford, with a nervous smile, reluctantly obliged, rising from her seat to provide an unfiltered view of her figure. Oprah, the queen of daytime television, left no room for ambiguity, exclaiming, “Now this is what I call a BODY.”
Crawford’s recollection of this incident in “The Super Models” docuseries reveals her vulnerability in the face of Oprah’s demand. “I was like the chattel or a child, be seen and not heard,” Crawford reflects. “When you look at it through today’s eyes, Oprah’s like, ‘Stand up and show me your body. Show us why you’re worthy of being here.'” Watching this moment anew, Crawford realized the stark inappropriateness of the request, especially coming from someone as esteemed as Oprah Winfrey.
Surprisingly, the clip featuring this exchange was available on Oprah’s YouTube channel, only to be mysteriously deleted hours before the documentary’s release, as reported by Mail Online. The question lingers: Why did Oprah choose to erase this part of her own history?
To gain further insight, The Post reached out to both Cindy Crawford and Oprah Winfrey for their comments, but as of now, they remain tight-lipped about the incident.
This revelation has eerie parallels to a 1981 interview between Brooke Shields and Barbara Walters, where the then-15-year-old Shields was asked about her measurements on national television. Shields, now 58, recounted this experience on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in April, expressing how such questions “stir rage” within her. She also admitted that it breaks her heart to relive those moments, seeing herself as a young girl subjected to intrusive scrutiny.
It is evident that times have changed, and what was once considered acceptable in the world of entertainment no longer aligns with contemporary standards. The treatment of young women in the industry, as exemplified by these incidents, serves as a stark reminder of the evolution that has occurred over the years.
“The Super Models” docuseries, available for streaming on Apple TV+, provides a fascinating look into the lives of these iconic figures, shedding light on the highs and lows of their remarkable journeys to superstardom. It’s a journey that has seen them face challenges, demand change, and ultimately become trailblazers in the fashion world.
In a world where the #MeToo movement has sparked conversations about power dynamics and consent, Cindy Crawford’s revelation serves as a poignant reminder that even those at the pinnacle of success were not immune to inappropriate demands. As we reflect on this revelation, it is essential to continue the dialogue about respect, boundaries, and the evolution of societal norms in the world of entertainment.
In the grand tapestry of the fashion industry, this revelation is a thread that unveils the complexities and challenges faced by those who dared to defy conventions and rewrite the rules of the game. Cindy Crawford’s story is not just a page in the history of supermodels but a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of women who refuse to be treated as mere chattel and demand the respect they deserve.
