Top Model Mayhem!

The latest season of Tyra Banks' delightful mess of a model competition, America's Next Top Model, just premiered and already the goddess of fierce is looking for contenders for next fall's cycle. Auditions for that cycle, devoted to girls 5'7'' and under (which means that if bearing the stamp of approval from ANTM didn't make it hard enough to book jobs, the girls' height will guarantee no one will even consider hiring them) are underway. At the open casting call in New York City this weekend things took a decidedly unfashionable turn when a riot broke out in front of the Park Central New York hotel. WCBS tv reports:

Officials said the chaos Saturday afternoon, involving hundreds of people outside the Park Central New York hotel, was prompted by smoke coming from an overheated car nearby that caused someone to yell "fire," sparking a model stampede at the Midtown hotel.

Mere moments later, someone yelled about a man with a gun, leading to more running and screaming chaos. The panic left the street outside the hotel littered with the would-be models' shoes and clothing, according to news reports.

Three people ultimately ended up being arrested on disorderly conduct charges and six others went to the hospital with minor injuries. The auditions were canceled leaving the wannabe models' futures, tragically, up in the air. "No one came outside to explain anything to us," Palisade Park resident Jessica Paravati said. "We've been standing here since last night, we're out here for a reason, we want this -- truly, truly want this." And really -- what's a little gun scare when compared to the wrath you're sure to experience in front of Tyra and the rest of the judges once you've made it on the show?

Previously > Clay Aiken to get with Tyra Banks

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