'America's Next Top Model's' Paulina Porizkova: 'I was fired'

First Lucas and Peyton, and now Paulina?

"America's Next Top Model" judge Paulina Porizkova broke the news that she had been let go from the show Tuesday on CBS' "Late, Late Show." She told host Craig Ferguson that she was in Los Angeles looking for a job "because I was fired by 'America's Next Top Model' on my birthday."

She said she was terminated over the phone.

"The reason I was told I was fired was because, it seemed, that [the show] has gotten too fat and they needed to cut some fat and the fat was me," Porizkova said.  

Bad blood between Porizkova and 'Top Model' star and executive producer Tyra Banks? Perhaps: "I figured it was either that or my gigantic huge ego. Which I wasn't aware of until I was told by the producers that I had an ego problem."

"Oh, I see what this is. I see what it is. It's rivalry. You and Tyra," Ferguson said. "Well, I was working for her, so it's not quite rivalry," the former supermodel said. "I really believe they just felt like they didn't need me, which of course they don't."

A rep for the CW confirmed her departure but declined to comment on whether or not Porizkova would be replaced on the upcoming 13th season.

The season finale of "America's Next Top Model" -- it comes down to Teyona, Aminat and Allison -- airs tonight.

-- Denise Martin

Photo credit: The CW

Comments

[Bob Horn]

Paulina is probably right that they fired her because of an ego problem. There wasn't enough room for both she and Tyra. Paulina is very outspoken, and can be rude at times. She is lashing out against the show now which is an indication that her ego isn't in check which could be a bad move. Especially when you're looking for work.

Paulina will end up at E or some other graveyard for the rich and the too old/too little talent. Think about it, what else can she do except be pretty. Maybe she can be some kind of consultant for the beauty industry, but somehow I don't see that. Look, she still has Rick, unless she pissed him off too.

[Greg M]

Tyra is blowhard. I'd take Paulina over Tyra ANY day!

[KR]

If they were cutting fat, they should cut Tyra--she's really blimped out. I think she's jealous because Tyra would have to be a plus size model without the miracle of photo retouching and Paulina still looks great.

Tyra is such a freakin' moron and has the most idiotic advice. "It's not like 'this,' it's like 'THIS.'

[TardisJockey]

Paulina's right...she does have an ego problem - Tyra's!!! When Janice got the heave, it was easy to pass it off to her acid personality. But then Kimora got dumped...and then Twiggy....and now Paulina.

I can't believe that all these women were the problem. I'd say the problem is Tyra and her inability to deal with being outshone.

[Steven]

Good riddance. She DOES have a huge ego. She's so full of herself it's not even funny. At least Janice was funny.

[Sam]

In response to the comments from Bob....Bob, who the heck are you? Nobody named Bob could possibly know anything about models or fashion. As for your snide comments "…Paulina will end up at E or some other graveyard for the rich and the too old/too little talent”...uh, Paulina is a multi-multi-millionaire, has travelled the world many times over, is married to a rock star, and most likely lives in a very plush New York City penthouse. What have you done with your life, Bob?!?

[Evan]

BUH BYE Paulina! They should've fired her ages ago! Bring back Twiggy! Paulina is rude, cold, & heartless.

[Kit]

thank god shes gone!!! ive always hated paulina.....PLEASE bring back twiggy!!

[Jack H.]

So all of you leaving nasty comments about Paulina know her? You've worked with her and know she is all of the negative things you've posted? I love reading ill-informed commentary from lunk heads who assuage they're jealousy and envy by writing nasty things, safe in the anonymity of the Internet. So sad. As someone who works in the entertainment industry and counts among my friends production personnel who HAVE worked with Paulina, the ego problem (if there is one) is more than likely not with her. By every account I have ever heard of Ms. Porizkova, she is a consummate professional with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a more than her share of wit, charm and intelligence. I'm sure she will do just fine w/o ANTM. She is a JUDGE on a COMPETITION show. She's held the job these neophytes are all vying for so her advice is certainly of value. She is honest and direct but I would never call her comments mean or inappropriate. Much better than listening to Nigel hate on any girl he isn't aroused by or walking stereotype Ms. Jay blather on about nothing while making snide, catty comments to the girls in front of them and behind their backs.

[Bob Horn]

Well, Sam, I'm not rich but I live pretty well. I also know a little about models since my own daughter is one. I also read quite a bit, and survey the internet quite often. Paulina has an ego problem in my opinion. Everything I said in my post will probably come to fruition, or she'll just quietly disappear. Think about this. Have you ever been fired, and badmouthed your previous employer to all your prospective employers? That's the equivalent of what Paulina did. Of course, she's rich, so it doesn't matter financially. There's is another aspect to it however for successful people. They don't like coming out on the losing end, regardless of money. This issue bothers Paulina I would imagine. Someone with an ego problem usually doesn't recognize it. It's called narcissism. This will bother her for a while now that its been brought out in the light. Tyra is another issue. She's a bone head prima donna too.

[Bluecuby]

One article better with one main theme, Paulina is professional but her idea is just too different from Tyra's, not a problem whom is right whom is wrong, but in considering to make the episode more enjoyable with one theme, perhaps one of them leave is better. And the one is Paulina in the actual situation. If I was Paulina...once find out my aethestic standard is that much different from Tyra, perhaps I will resign than staying along...but doesn't mean I am wrong in anything or ego problem

[Christy]

Personally I think that 13 cycles of America's Next Top Model has just gotten to Tyra's head. Honestly, I hardly think that it's normal that so many models have been fired from the show ( on Paulina's seat) like Twiggy, Janice etc. and everyone else stays the same... maybe it is Tyra's ego that has the problem rather than Paulina. Perhaps Tyra Banks just can't stand to have any "legendary models" on the judge stand actually having an opinion of their own rather than just repeating the same thing Ms. Tyra says like Nigel and Ms. Jay.
Maybe Paulina came off as harsh sometimes, but I think her criticism was helpful and added a little spice to the rather dull judging. I thought that Paulina was great as a judge. And now we are going to have a rotating judge chair ???? why -- so no super models can steal the show from Tyra or compete with her ego. Personally I think there are two sides to every story so there was just some problem between the two women ( Tyra and Paulina) and between her and Janice, Tyra and Twiggy, Tyra and Kimora and who knows who else. Is there a pattern? I just think it's sad that a show that was supposed to give girls a chance to get into the fashion industry is rather a show about Tyra Banks.