Ashley Graham

Recently, Ashley’s Lane Bryant ads have received some controversial news coverage when ABC deemed them too sexy for primetime. While Lane Bryant argued that ABC is uncomfortable showing full figured women, Ashley looked at the bright side of the situation. All of this media attention has brought the issue of full figured women out into the public eye, which Ashley feels is a seriously neglected topic.

Ashley has commented that most American women are full figured, and would rather see women that represent themselves versus those who are incredibly skinny. Current news updates state that ABC has negotiated with Lane Bryant to show the ad, in full, during American Idol.

Before this controversy, Nebraskan born Ashley has led quite a busy life, especially since she’s been a plus size model since she was 12. Growing up was difficult at school since her classmates would tease her that being a fat model isn’t like being a real model. Ashley has stated on several occasions that she was fortunate to have loving parents who supported her no matter what. Plus receiving so much positive publicity throughout her teenage years as a plus size model most likely saved her from developing an eating disorder, as Ashley has mentioned time and time again to reporters.

In real life she is best friends with fellow plus size model Crystal Renn. Ashley continues to promote young women improving their self-esteem, and has commented on several occasions about creating some sort of positive body image handbook for teenage girls.