After it was reported that plus-size model Ashley Graham would be featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, one issue became highly debated: Does she really qualify as the first plus-size model?

While Graham is going to be in the magazine, her image will be part of an ad.

On Thursday, TIME named size 12 model Robyn Lawley as the actual first plus-size model to display her assets in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. But people quickly became upset and wondered if size 12 was actually considered plus size.


Lisa Remillard tweeted to TIME, "Don't call her 'plus sized.' Robyn Lawley graces @SI_Swimsuit issue. She is size 12 and 6'2"."

@AngryFangirl wrote on Twitter, "So if Robyn Lawley is 'plus size,' what are actual fat girls? Extra plus size? Super plus size?"

Many men seem to agree that size 12 is not a plus size. @fillysportznut tweeted, "@cinna_BONS I'm pretty naive, but not stupid...that's plus size???"

"She sort of embodies the classic SI girl -- she's interesting, she's beautiful, she has an incredible body, and I felt that she would make a great addition to the issue," MJ Day, assistant managing editor of the Sports Illustrated magazine, told Time. "It was simple as that."

Lawley told TIME she doesn't pay attention to the "type" of model that she is. She just wants to focus on her career.

"I don't know if I consider myself as a plus-size model or not," she said. "I just consider myself a model because I'm trying to help women in general accept their bodies."

Sports Illustrated assured Time magazine that Lawley's inclusion was as a "model" and not a "plus-size model," according to E! News.

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