Tyra Banks says people’s racist assumptions about DWTS hiring ‘hurts my feelings’

Banks opens up about critics that claim she was hired as the new host of 'Dancing With The Stars' because she is Black.

Sep 10, 2020

Tyra Banks has responded to claims that being a Black woman is what landed the supermodel her latest position hosting Dancing With The Stars.

During a new interview with Glamour, the 46-year-old revealed her feelings were hurt when she learned people believed she was chosen as a token Black woman to make the network look diverse amid national racial tension.

“It actually hurts my feelings a bit that people think that I was hired because I’m a Black woman. [The show] reached out to me many, many months ago before any of the [racial] unrest happened,” Banks said to the magazine.

She takes the place of Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, who co-hosted the series the past few years.

“I knew that there’s a lot of responsibility coming in to an institution. Tom Bergeron is a genius host, a comedic host. I had to make sure that I could bring something new, [while] respecting what he’s already done. And that could I really bring my audience to the show,” she said to Glamour.

She joins DWTS as not only the show’s host but as an executive producer. Karey Burke the president of ABC Entertainment welcomed Tyra Banks in an official statement.

“As we gear up for the show’s 29th season, we can’t wait to welcome Tyra Banks to our ‘Dancing’ stage. Tyra is an award-winning multihyphenate whose fierce female prowess and influence across many industries have made an indelible mark. Her fresh take on America’s favorite dancing competition will surely bring more than a ‘Smize’ to fans everywhere,” said Burke.

The smize queen shares how she is approaching the ballroom dance series versus hosting America’s Next Top Model. She says her upcoming outlandish looks on DWTS will paired with her authentic personality.

“I’m just going to be myself in terms of personality. What will be the most fake is me walking out on that dance floor with the wackiest, craziest outfits with amazing hair and makeup. That’s not me—that’s a whole creation. But what’s coming out of my mouth and personality is going to be who you’re talking to now,” she said.

As far as anyone doubting her ability to take on the challenge, the Coyote Ugly actress is convinced her talent will change minds.

“I hope they say, ‘You know what, I’m going to stick with this.’ Like, “Wow…I was wrong about that.”

The new season of the celebrity dance competition show airs Sep. 14 and includes rapper Nelly, actress Skai Jackson, Carole Baskin of Netflix fame, and more.