Dawson in plus-size model slanging match

Charlotte Dawson. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi celeb Charlotte Dawson has been caught up in a fashion furore across the ditch, accused of being a "plus-size model hater".

Dawson, a TV presenter and socialite who lives in Sydney, has been criticised from the most rarefied heights of Hollywood, with gossip blogger Perez Hilton condemning her views on bigger women. But Dawson says she's been misquoted and taken out of context.

The Australia's Next Top Model judge was quoted on the Nine MSN website as saying: "It would be tokenism to put a plus-size girl through just for the sake of it ... I would like someone to name a plus-size model in Australia because I can't ... We could have a plus-sized model win the competition and she would end up doing catalogues for Target."

Dawson, a former model, says her quotes were taken out of context, and the allegation that she hates plus-size models is a lie. Nonetheless, her comments caused a storm and Hilton labelled her a "biotch".

But Dawson said her comments were in response to being asked if a plus-size model would win the competition.

Yesterday she told the Herald on Sunday: "I completely support the plus-size industry, having been a plus-size model myself in New York.

"In New York I would have been a [size] 14 to 16 because I did put weight on. There's a really good plus-size market there."

The plus-size industry "has to be encouraged," continued Dawson, who apologised if her comments had offended anyone.

Dawson said she phoned the journalist who wrote the story to air her concerns once she saw the article.

Model Daniella Norling, who modelled for plus-size label The Carpenter's Daughter at last year's Air New Zealand Fashion Week, said she felt "totally confident" in herself as a woman and a model. "I don't have hair extensions, plastic surgery or a massive beauty regime, because I look beautiful as I am."

Norling said she was a size 20 or 22, depending on what she wore. "Fourteen to 16 isn't even a plus size in New Zealand," she said. "I want girls to feel confident because there are clothes out there for them.

"I remember our first show at Fashion Week - it was totally packed..."

In response to her critics, Dawson said: "I am not trying to be Australia's next top model. I am 43 and I am way past my prime.

"I am not very attractive, people say I look like a tranny, but I have always been very open and honest about who I am."