Eva Marcille on “Salty” ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Alums: “Leave Tyra Banks Alone”

When on the air, ‘America’s Next Top Model’ was both a ratings smash and a cultural phenomenon.

In the years since its initial run, the Tyra Banks-helmed series has been scrutinized – almost on a monthly basis – through a contemporary lens.

The less than endorsing claims have been plentiful and have included accounts from contestants on the long-running show.

One person that isn’t here for the critique, though, is season 3 winner Eva Marcille.

Since triumphing on the 2004 installment of the UPN series, she went on to enjoy a multi-dimensional career in the limelight – racking up modeling, acting, TV, and hosting gigs.

And she’s not feeling the derogatory claims about ANTM from others who haven’t demonstrated the same work ethic.

Find out what she had to say below…

Speaking on the Behind The Velvet Rope podcast, the former ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star said:

“Leave Tyra alone. Tyra Banks, Tyra Lynne Banks is my girl. No good deed goes unpunished. Think about it. She created a show to give a platform to people that would never have an opportunity in this space. This [show] wasn’t 5’10 models she could get off the street who could get any agent. These were people who needed grooming and help. And she did that.”

Pointing at other success stories such as Yaya DaCosta, Don Benjamin, Toccara Jones (all of whom have excelled following their appearance on Top Model), Marcille went on to stress that hustle is everything:

“It’s one of those things where it was an opportunity, it’s like college: you go to school, you do something with your degree, or you don’t. And I think those that chose not to do anything with their degree are salty.”

Do you agree?

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: UPN]