Model Mayhem: Edmond Woman Gives First-Hand Account

Staff and Wire Reports

NEW YORK - A riot broke out during a casting call of the hit reality TV show "America's Next Top Model" Saturday outside the Park Central New York hotel in Manhattan.

An Edmond woman was attending a medical conference in the city and happened by during the outbreak.

Physicians Assistant Stacy Garafola said she was walking by when the chaos ensued.

"We got there right when it happened," Garafola said. "We saw a lot of irate women and women in tears."

Garafola said she spoke with a nearby police officer who told her the incident was prompted by a car that turned down the street making noise and putting off smoke from the hood. It seemed to scare one woman who thought it was a bomb. The woman reportedly yelled something that sparked the mass hysteria.

As police attempted to control the panicked crowd, Garafola snapped some pictures of the scene.

"We were there for about 45 minutes," Garafola said.

Following the initial scare, Garafola said someone from the show came out and said the auditions were over, which caused more excitement from the crowd.

"Girls were beating the doors saying, 'Let us in'," Garafola said.

According to the Associated Press, three people were arrested and six were hurt following the melee.

Representatives for The CW Network, which airs the show, released a statement saying it was working with authorities investigating the incident.

The model competition is hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, who also serves as its executive producer. She released a statment regarding the incident on The CW Network's Web site:

"To all the Top Model hopefuls who were affected by the New York casting, we are doing everything we can to make sure that ALL the girls who weren't seen, get an opportunity to audition - we'll update you on our plans very soon. It is so important to me to redefine beauty, and make sure that everyone gets a fair chance to pursue their dream. I am beyond excited for Cycle 13; for the first time ever, young women 5'7'' and under have a shot at becoming America's Next Top Model! I encourage each girl to come out ready to rock the runway and show off their fiercest pose. I'm rooting for all of you!"

The current season began March 4.

Tryouts also were being held this month around the country, including in Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.