Lay off Top Model teen, says angry brother

Rosanagh Wypych. Photo / Supplied

TV3 says Top Model contender Rosanagh Wypych's place in this week's final is safe, despite the teen being shown in photographs involving drugs and alcohol.

And her brother has slammed critics of the 17-year-old Napier schoolgirl, saying she's just a normal teenager "living her life".

Miss Wypych is one of three finalists for season three of New Zealand's Next Top Model.

The winner will be announced at the final tomorrow.

She came under fire this week when photographs appeared of her drinking alcohol and posing next to another teenager holding a tin full of cannabis.

It was earlier revealed that Miss Wypych was convicted of drink driving, and then for driving while disqualified.

MediaWorks publicity manager Rachel Lorimer said last night that TV3 had "reviewed Rosanagh's role in the show".

"And [TV3] are happy that she takes part in Friday's live final," she said.

"One of the qualities of a good role model is the ability to face up to past mistakes and admit when you are wrong. Rosanagh has more than done that."

Miss Wypych's brother James, 19, said she was upset by the publicity the photos and her convictions had created.

"She's just a 17-year-old teenage girl, just living her life," he said.

"She's been singled out because she's a big name right now. I don't think she should be hated and ridiculed, though, for something that is quite common.

"Sure, it's underage drinking and that photo with the other girl holding the cannabis, I can see how that would look bad.

"But I think people have to understand is that in New Zealand it's quite common for people her age to be drinking and doing drugs. People younger than her drink and do drugs and I think that's more of a worry."

Mr Wypych said he was angry that people had been labelling his sister as a "bad person" and a "bad role model".

"She did drive drunk, she did drive while she was disqualified and she got convicted of both things. But she accepted her punishment and I think that's quite responsible of her ... And she's learned her lesson - I know that."

He believed his sister was still a good role model, and other teenagers could learn from her mistakes.

"It's shown that Rosanagh is human, she's just like us. She's done bad things in her life, she's not perfect."

He hoped Miss Wypych would be judged on her modelling - not her past.