Next Top Model winner Demelza says she took rap for bullying

03Jul08

Next Top Model winner says she took rap for bullying IT’S the storm in a B-cup that won’t go away but yesterday controversial tele-model Demelza Reveley sidestepped the bullying claims.

Speaking just hours after being crowned, Demelza claimed she had taken the rap for the remainder of the contestants who also bullied Byron Bay local Alamela Rowan during part of the recent FOX8 series.

“I know that I have taken the fall for everyone because I was basically classified as the ringleader. But that wasn’t the case at all,” she said.

“It was a group effort and something everyone was involved in. It was a pack mentality kind of thing.

“But I’m not saying it is something I condone. I couldn’t understand why I behaved in that manner.”

Following her crowning at Luna Park on Tuesday night, Demelza claims she sought out Alamela at the FOX8 after-party and “sorted everything out” in spite of reports Alamela was seen leaving the function in tears.

“I wanted to make sure she was okay and I wished her the best of luck,” said Demelza. “I said I was so sorry about everything that has happened and said I wished things could have been different.”

Despite Demelza’s public vote victory and subsequent apology, many are still split on the decision including Vogue editor Kristie Clements who sided with runner-up Alexandra Girdwood. And Vogue readers seem to agree. The magazine’s online forum leaned heavily in Girdwood’s favour yesterday with several readers labelling the result a “disgrace”.

However Demelza – pictured in a purple dress hugging runner-up Alexandra – said she was still looking forward to shooting her Vogue spread tomorrow. She said: “I’m excited to prove I can be a Vogue person and can set a good example and do the magazine proud.”