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Toccara Jones is defending Tyra Banks from new allegations that producers only paid America's Next Top Model contestants $40 a day. The former contestant, who competed in season three of the reality show, spoke to TMZ about Sarah Hartshorne's recent allegations about her experience in 2007. When it comes to the show's executive producer, Jones said, "There's no canceling Tyra." "This is the modeling world," Toccara said. "[Tyra] didn't create this. She just showed y'all [what it's like] and she became the face of it." Toccara said that criticism of this nature "comes with the territory" of being a high-profile model...

Exclusive: The search is on for the next viral plus-size modeling sensation with The Shade Room’s Thick House.

Set to premiere May 16th at 4 p.m. on Facebook Watch, Thick House sees plus-size America’s Next Top Model cycle 3 contestant Toccara Jones host the competition program. Judges Ej King and fashion blogger and stylist Kelly Augustine will seek out the their winner from a group of seven plus-sized models to help them cultivate a new fan base. The hopeful winners will compete to impress the panel of catwalking judges and special guests, including Glee actress and Dancing with the Stars season 17 winner Amber Riley.

While Thick House seeks out plus-sized modeling talent, Lizzo’s scouting out fuller-figured women to perform alongside her on stage for an unscripted series at Amazon. Thick House is part of Facebook Watch’s We the Culture programming slate, which is aimed at amplifying the voices of Black content creators.

Toccara Jones can't believe Piers Morgan so blatantly body shamed a plus-size model and tried to mask it as a health concern ... saying someone can be big And healthy. The ex-"America's Next Top Model" contestant says she's been shamed herself for not having an "ideal" figure, and believes only Tess Holliday knows what's best for her in terms of overall health. Translation: Piers has No biz wading into a very personal topic for Tess.

We all know that former Donald Trump adviser-turned-enemy Omarosa Manigault Newman starred on the president’s NBC reality show “The Apprentice” (three times!). But did you forget that she also had her own dating show produced by Trump?

In 2010, Manigault Newman starred in the reality dating show. And if you didn’t know it was produced by Trump, you weren’t reading the title: “Donald Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger.” The show was something of a cross between “The Bachelorette” and “The Apprentice,” with Trump himself picking the 12 suitors, who stayed at (guess where) a Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

“The Ultimate Merger” also featured a spiritual adviser, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, who was pastor of the Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in Baltimore.

Also Read: Andy Cohen Takes a 'Hard Pass' on Omarosa for 'Real Housewives'

The first season ended with the last man standing, R&B singer Ray Lavender,...

Sports Illustrated is going to bat for Ashley Graham after Toccara Jones called her twerking abilities subpar -- and this new video of her booty-shaking in the sand ... is the perfect re-butt-al.. Twerk it. Twerk it real good.

Brace yourself, Ashley Graham ... this might hurt a little. Her pal, Toccara Jones went full Lmfao after watching Ashley attempt to twerk during her S.I. Swimsuit photo shoot. We got the self-proclaimed "Queen of Thickness" Tuesday at Lax, and asked her to evaluate Ashley's ass-shaking skills -- which Ag herself touted on camera in the video posted by Sports Illustrated. Let's just say, Toccara's review was straight-up cold-blooded. This video of @theashleygraham twerking in a thong is Everything.

New stills from producer Datari Turner's latest production effort, a drama titled "Supermodel," which stars Tyson Beckford, Sessilee Lopez, Roger Guenveur Smith, Fat Joe, Toccara Jones, Angela Simmons, Marc John Jefferies, Tatyana Ali, Nichole Galicia, Melissa De Sousa, Don Benjamin, Cassandra Freeman, Tobias Truvillion, Julito McCullum, and Beverly Bond, and Turner himself. It will also feature several celebrity cameos, in a film that's described as a modern day "Mahogany," the 1975 Berry Gordy-directed drama which starred a post-"Lady Sings The Blues" Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams, and told the story of an...

A$AP Rocky must love white chicks, 'cause he pissed off Black women everywhere -- including model Toccara Jones and rapper Trina -- by saying dark-skinned girls have no biz wearing red lipstick.A$AP dished his makeup tips to fashion and beauty blog The Coveteur, saying ... "I feel like with the red lipstick thing, it all depends on the pair of complexion. I’m just being for real. You have to be fair skinned to get away with that.

Looks like Amber Rose can still have some fun with fashion ... even while super pregnant! Over the weekend, the model and boyfriend Wiz Khalifa gathered with a few of their closest family and friends for their baby shower. The mom-to-be wore a bump-hugging rainbow colored keyboard dress from Jeremy Scott's Fall 2012 collection. Christina Milian and "America's Next Top Model" contestant Toccara Jones joined the couple for the fun -- playing games and enjoying plenty of sweet treats! Everything was blue themed -- from blue candy snacks to blue cocktails, all to celebrate the coming of their little boy. Amber looked beautiful ... and ready to pop! We can't wait to see their little Wiz when he gets here! Check out all the photos from Amber's shower below and click "Launch Gallery" to see even more expecting celebrities! Read more...

In response to 19 Vogue editors’ pledge to no longer hire models with visible signs of an eating distorder, supermodel-turned-media-mogul Tyra Banks is weighing in. The America’s Next Top Model creator/host penned an open letter to The Daily Beast and appeared on Good Morning America yesterday to recall her own experiences with dangerously thin coworkers and explain her stance on the industry. Watch below.

Banks has been a proponent of “fiercely real” models (a term she coined that nearly makes up for other terms she coined, including “smize” and “flawsome”). In fact, her cycle 10 of Top Model featured the...

Jennifer Hudson attends Think Like a Man Los Angeles Premiere. Photo copyright Andrew Evans / PR Photos. Jennifer Hudson attends Think Like a Man Los Angeles Premiere. Photo copyright Andrew Evans / PR Photos. Jennifer Hudson attends Think Like a Man Los Angeles Premiere. Photo copyright Andrew Evans / PR Photos. Terrence J. attends Think Like a Man Los Angeles Premiere. Photo copyright Andrew Evans / PR Photos. Gabrielle Union attends Think Like a Man Los Angeles Premiere. Photo copyright Andrew Evans / PR Photos. 02/09/2012 - Ne-Yo - "Think Like a Man" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals - Arclight Cinerama Dome - Hollywood, CA, USA © Koi Sojer / PR Photos 02/09/2012 - Toccara Jones - "Think Like a...

Some of the biggest names in hip-hop and Hollywood hit up the Bet Awards last night in Los Angeles -- but, before we get to the winners, check out what some of the stars wore on the green carpet! Legs were on full display on the arrival line, with Nicki Minaj , Kelly Rowland , La La Vazquez , Michelle Williams and " America's Next Top Model " star Toccara Jones all showing off their gams in some colorful minis. The carpet also had a few surprises: Amber Rose showed off some serious Pda with new boyfriend Wiz Khalifa , Fat Joe looked not-so-fat anymore thanks to a huge weight loss and Willow Smith rocked some wild hair! Also in attendance: Eve , Justin Bieber , Nelly , Kerry Washington , Drake , Bruno Mars , NeNe Leakes and many more. The action only picked up inside, where Chris Brown picked up three awards and Cee Lo Green did drag as Patti Labelle...

" Survivor " has done it. So has " Top Chef ." Now, " America's Next Top Model " is getting its own all-star edition. "America's Next Top Model All-Stars" was announced Thursday by creator/head judge Tyra Banks . The show, debuting this fall, features 14 memorable contestants from 16 past cycles, including the most current season. Check out the 14 contestants in the gallery below: With three "mean girls" Bianca (Cycle 9), Dominique (Cycle 10) and Alexandria (Cycle 16) all living under one roof, there will be catfights galore. They'll surely go head-to-head with the outspoken Bre (Cycle 5), Sheena (Cycle 11)  and Angelea (Cycle 14). Meanwhile, expect conservative Shannon (Cycle 1) and Southern sweetheart Laura (Cycle 13) to play mediators. As of course, Lisa (Cycle 5) will bring the laughs. However, there were some obvious omissions, including fabulous plus-sized model Toccara (Cycle 3), Jade, the self-proclaimed "undiscovered supermodel" (Cycle 6), and Jael, the edgy girl with rocker flair (Cycle 8). With some of the contestants pushing 30, the winner likely...

You guys, I can’t help it: I’m smizing. How could I not after hearing Tuesday’s news that the CW is launching an all-star edition of America’s Next Top Model? It’s about Ty-time. Talk about long overdue! We’ve seen all-star seasons of shows like Big Brother, The Amazing Race, Top Chef, Survivor, and So You Think You Can Dance — how has it taken this long to reunite some of Top Model’s most broken-down baby dolls?

Of course, how an all-star edition will fare will depend on which alums Top Model casts. In order to draw in viewers,...

We had the pleasure of meeting Omarosa on Sunday (April 10) at the Reality Rocks Expo in Los Angeles where she took part in the "Where are they now?" panel. 

She's best known for taking her villainous turn on "The Apprentice" to seven years of reality TV appearances and counting. The reality vixen tells us that she has appeared in 37 reality shows since vying for a gig with Donald Trump on the NBC show. 

Now, she would say the pinnacle of her reality career is in joining forces with the real estate mogul-turned-reality-star. She co-created and co-produces TV One's "The Ultimate Merger," a dating show, with Trump.

"I think that's a marker where I can go from being one of his contestants to actually working with him every day to create a program millions of Americans would watch," she tells Zap2it. "So, to me that's a marker for what I've done,...

Essential ViewingThe Week in RewindThere's nothing quite like the company of a truly good friend. This week our favorite celebs did a lot of bonding and hanging out with their favorite pals.Common and LeToya Luckett were seen out with their Bff's celebrating their birthdays, while Serena Williams spent some time with her gal pals to boost her spirits after some time off to recuperate.Along with these bosom buddies, check out the who, what and where of this week in pictures....Lala Vazquez, Kelly Rowland and Serena WilliamsWhat a terrific trio! Lala Vazquez, Kelly Rowland and Serena Williams are seen filming a reality show segment at Cuvee on Robertson Boulevard inLos Angeles, California.Michelle ObamaFirst Lady Michelle Obama attends a St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House. She shows off her toned arms in her signature sleeveless silhouette.Vanessa Simmons and Angela SimmonsVanessa Simmons and Angela Simmons attend...

Lots of new pilot pick-ups and casting in Tuesday's (Feb. 1) TV Snacks. Also, Bravo reports record numbers over last year and Donald Trump is behind a "Top Model's" return to TV.

ABC Family announced three pilot pick-ups. Zap2it was the first to report that "George Lopez's" Constance Marie and "Caroline in the City's" Lea Thompson were cast and now their one-hour scripted drama has been picked up. "Switched at Birth" follows two girls who, well, the title is self-explanatory. Also picked up: One-hour drama "The Nine Lives of Chloe King," about a girl who finds she has exceptional powers and someone wants her dead; And "The Great State of Georgia" starring Raven Symone in a half-hour comedy about a girl trying to make it in New York City. [ABC Family]

NBC has tapped Carson Daly to host its singing competition "The Voice," which is set to premiere in the spring.

Tgif! Here's what has our coffee mugs overflowing today: Kem, Ledisi, and El DeBarge are going on tour together. Mary J. Blige celebrates her 40th birthday by singing a duet with Anita Baker. Usher nearly faints on stage in Europe, and Essence contributing style editor Toccara Jones lands her own reality show with the help of Donald Trump... Here's what you had to say: Latonya commented via Facebook: "I am happy for her. She has come a long way since appearing on 'America's Next Top Model.'" Sonja wrote via Facebook: "I admit I'm a reality show junkie so I will probably watch Toccara's show."...

The girls' fashion knowledge is put to the test after a surprise visit from Season 3 contestant Toccara Jones, and a dance inspired photo shoot forces the models to pose while demonstrating their fancy footwork. Missed your favourite show, forgot to record it and can't wait for the repeat? Then why not watch TV online, check it out on Sky Player - simply register and start watching straight away.

I recently saw the film The Kids Are All Right, and between marveling at Julianne Moore’s performance and Mark Ruffalo’s chest hair, I couldn’t help but notice the acting skills of another one of the film’s stars, Yaya DaCosta, better known as a Cycle 3 contestant on America’s Next Top Model.

Our Brown-educated girl (how could we forget that tidbit with the number of times she said it on the show?) has come a long way from smizing and losing to Eva Pigford (now Eva Marcille for acting purposes).

Before she landed the role as Ruffalo...

If the next cycle of this show doesn't have some kind of compelling gimmick (actual human feelings) or twist (Born Agains vs. Atheists), I think we might have to part ways. A dance-inspired challenge? Excuse me while I try to wrest myself from this coma. Nope, I couldn't do it, coma: 1, Tyra: 0. A blah challenge, warmed-over fights, dated references, and an elimination that arrived by telegraph months ago -- Top Model, why have you forsaken me? Brenda complained that she was having an "identity crisis" thanks to the haircut, and Ren said she was "93 percent sure" she was going to leave the competition.

After the past two 90-minute Tyra-filled episodes, we get a sigh of relief with "Let's Dance" because she won't be the only one taking the stage. Cycle 3 contestant Toccara Jones joins the America's Next Top Model set tonight and tests our Cycle 14 models on their fashion industry know-how.

Test Your America's Next Top Model Knowledge with Trivia

But it looks like one model no longer wants to know how to make it big in the fashion industry via Tyra's tutelage. On "Let's Dance," a contestant considers quitting the competition. If they allow her, does this mean they'll bring back someone else?...

Model, TV host Toccara Jones is 29 years old today. The former America’s Next Top Model contestant has done a little acting for television, with bit parts in Girlfriends and All Of Us. But much of her work since her appearance on Antm 6 years ago, in 2004, has comprised of mostly reality TV shows, and hosting duties for various Bet events and programs. She also continues to model.

Rapper/actor Common aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn, is 38 years old today. Rashid was last seen in 2009’s Terminator Salvation, and will next be seen alongside Queen Latifah, and Paula Patton in the romcom Just Wright, which will be in theatres later this year, and in the ensemble comedy, Date Night, out next month.

Fantastic Four director Tim Story is 40 years old today. Story’s breakthrough directorial effort (although not his first film) was 2002’s controversial hit Barbershop. Since then, he’s helmed 2 Fantastic Four movies,...

Can summer really be over already? In August, our Take Five actors do some networking, table reading, casting workshops, commercial callbacks -- and hitting the wall.Deon LucasHitting the Dance FloorIt's hard to believe that we're exiting summer already. August was a busy month. And it seems as if 2009 is right around the corner. For me the month started with a private birthday party for actor Meagan Good. She had a party at a nightclub on Sunset Boulevard, and I got invited by a friend of mine who is close to Meagan. The event was fun, and it allowed me to meet a few interesting people in the industry. I also danced with Toccara, from America's Next Top Model.The following weekend afforded me the opportunity to see Monsters of Hip Hop, a theatre-dance workshop at the El Portal Theatre in NoHo. The show was amazing. Some of the biggest choreographers,...