Cindy Crawford’s first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986 resurfaced after she reflected on it during the pilot episode of The Supermodels. At just 20 years old, Crawford, alongside her manager John Casablancas, was asked by Winfrey to stand up and show off her body, a moment that, in hindsight, Crawford found inappropriate and objectifying. She recalled feeling like a “child” who was “seen and not heard,” and only realized the full impact of that experience years later. The segment has since drawn criticism, as Crawford expressed how she felt judged for her looks rather than recognized for her intelligence.

Decades later, Crawford spoke out during her 2013 Oprah’s Master Class appearance, sharing how the initial interview affected her self-image. Crawford emphasized that the experience motivated her to prove she had more to offer beyond her physical appearance, leading her to actively represent herself as someone with intelligence and depth.

After Crawford’s recent comments, Oprah’s team seemingly removed the 1986 interview from YouTube. Public reactions were mixed, with some defending Oprah, including her close friend, Gayle King, who expressed surprise that Crawford harbored such feelings. Social media users also weighed in, with opinions ranging from dismissing Crawford’s concerns to validating her perspective in light of changing cultural norms.

This incident illustrates how evolving societal views on body image and representation have sparked renewed reflection on past media practices, raising important questions about the treatment of women in the spotlight, especially in an era of heightened awareness around empowerment and equality.