Don’t cross Tyra Banks. Or even get in her path.
The “America’s Next Top Model” creator has big plans and no room for the envious. The supermodel stepped up her feud with British counterpart Naomi Campbell, telling Newsweek how “hateful” she is.
Back when Tyra wasn’t a household name, Campbell made life so miserable that Banks says she almost gave up the runway. “She did so many hateful things, like getting me thrown off shows because she was more famous,” Banks said. “It got so bad that I called my mother and told her I wanted to just give up.”
But don’t mistake Tyra for a shrinking violet: She has designs on being the queen of all media.
“I want an empire like Oprah’s,” she said. “I may do it with a little more cleavage, but I plan to get there.”
RedEye sees how the divas stack up.
CATEGORY: MOVIE MAGIC
Tyra: Starred in “Coyote Ugly” (she’s forgiven). Played a woman name “Kyra” in “Love & Basketball.” Greatest work: her death scene in “Higher Learning.”
Oprah: Gave us the willful Sofia in “The Color Purple.” Gave us the willies in “Beloved.”
Naomi: Flight Attendant No. 2 in “Burn, Hollywood, Burn,” Girl No. 75 in “Girl 6” and someone named “Naomi” in the appropriately named “Trippin.”
CATEGORY: SINGING ABILITY
Tyra: Came out with her music video debut . . . on her own show.
Oprah: Sang the praises of Martha Stewart and where did that get her?
Naomi: We’re told her screaming fits can be quite melodious.
CATEGORY: PERSONAL “MAKEUP”
Tyra: Known as the supermodel who cares. Cue tears. (“My mascara!”)
Oprah: Is that really Ed Asner under all that makeup?
Naomi: Her personality can be a “drag,” which, ironically, is her preferred makeup style.
CATEGORY: MAN HANDLE
Tyra: Is she still dating Chris Webber?
Oprah: Is Steadman really a cardboard cutout?
Naomi: Is she still dating most of Europe?
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Edited by RedEye staff (ritaredeye@tribune.com)
