Banks Blasts Celebrity Models

TYRA BANKS has hit out at pop stars and Hollywood's leading ladies, accusing them of stealing cosmetic contracts from hard-up supermodels.

The catwalk queen-turned TV talk show host claims it's harder for models to land lucrative deals with fashion, make-up and fragrance firms while the big companies turn to beauties like Jennifer Connelly, Eva Mendes and Beyonce Knowles to promote their products.

Banks tells WENN, "I think all supermodels now are losing out to celebrities. It's celebrities who are getting the cosmetics contracts."

Connolly promotes Revlon; Mendes works for Calvin Klein and Knowles is a spokesmodel for L'Oreal.