Top Model contestant Ann

America’s Next Top Model creator and executive producer Tyra Banks is apologizing for an ad in which she appears to praise a contestant for having the “smallest waist in the world.”

In the promotional spot, judge J. Alexander wraps his hands around the 6’2″ contestant’s waist, which is so tiny his fingers nearly touch.  Banks says, “There’s something about her I like,” while Jay Emmanuel jokes that Miss J will be dieting on “Tic Tacs and watercress for the rest of the season.”

The host said in statement to People magazine, “As a leader in celebrating and promoting healthy body image, I must admit that I regrettably didn’t see this clip before it was released to the public, (with multiple Top Model departments, it’s just impossible to review everything) but on behalf of the Top Model team, these were not the intentions, and we truly apologize for any confusion, anger or disappointment it may have caused.”

Banks, 36, goes on to applaud viewers for speaking out against the controversial ad.

“The passionate response the trailer has evoked proves that the message to promote and celebrate all different – healthy and natural – body types has resonated with our viewers and I’m so proud of every one of you who voiced your opinion and participated in this conversation.

“I have experienced body image scrutiny from one extreme to the next… (and) I am committed to expanding the definition of beauty which includes ALL shapes, sizes and proportions, from skinny to curvy and everything in between.

“During this season of Top Model, you will see that Ann (the woman featured in the trailer) provided another opportunity for me to support a young woman struggling with her own body image issues… Helping young ladies, like Ann, and countless others that have confided in me, furthers and supports my core mission.”