“Project Runway” contestant Meg Ferguson has pulled out of Bravo’s afashion competition show following an explosive race-related confrontation with fellow designers.
On the episode, which aired Thursday, contestants were tasked with their first individual challenge: to design a streetwear look.
In an early segment, Ferguson was filmed talking to – or more accurately, at – fellow contestant Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste, who is from Haiti, about the value of Black representation on the runway.
“We can’t be afraid to say the ‘racism’ word, and we can’t be afraid to say, like, ‘whitewashing’ and ‘appropriation.’ Like, you design because you grew up not seeing people like you on the runway,”Ferguson said to Jean-Baptiste as he worked on his design. “This should be a Black magic moment and, like, I feel like we missed the mark.”
Later, in a confessional shot, Jean-Baptiste admitted that Ferguson’s comments made him slightly “uncomfortable.”
“Oftentimes when you find people in support of our issues, as Black folks, it kind of comes off as if they know what our troubles are and they’re our saving grace,” he said to the camera. “And that’s usually a big misunderstanding in the community and how support comes.”
However, Jean-Baptiste did not voice his feelings until another contestant entered the picture. Because his look contained references to Haitian culture, Jean-Baptiste and mentor Cristian Siriano decided that a Black model should wear it on the runway. This inspired Filipino-American contestant Kenneth Barlis to seek out an Asian model to wear his design.
When Barlis attempted to switch with Ferguson, who had been paired with the only Asian model in the room, Ferguson wasn’t happy.
“It’s so important to me to respect and acknowledge the fact that he wanted to design for his own culture,” she said in an aside. “I wouldn’t look like a woman of my word, and I would kind of look like an asshole, or, like, that bitchy woman if I said, ‘No, I don’t want to switch.'”
However, Barlis and Jean-Baptiste took issue with the way she expressed her thoughts in front of the other designers. In the end, Barlis stormed off and Jean-Baptiste called her out for being “fake as f—“:
“You got involved in my business this morning. You made it extremely uncomfortable. You talk, talk, talk, yap, yap, yap, for the same s—, and then you just went and did it to him,” he said. “And I lost respect for you for that.”
Citing the “intensity of the competition,” Ferguson then decided to leave the show for the sake of her mental health.
Jean-Baptiste went on to win the competition at the end of the episode.
“Project Runway” first premiered in 2004. The current season, Season 19, features 16 contestants; returning mentor Cristian Siriano; judges Nina Garcia, Elaine Welteroth and Brandon Maxwell; and weekly appearances by guest judges.
FAQs
“Project Runway” contestant Meg Ferguson has pulled out of Bravo's afashion competition show following an explosive race-related confrontation with fellow designers. On the episode, which aired Thursday, contestants were tasked with their first individual challenge: to design a streetwear look.
Why did Meg leave Project Runway? ›
She was thisclose to demanding to see “Project Runway's” manager. The next morning the designers learned that she withdrew from the competition because of the strain on her mental health, not that she had any interest in Barlis's mental health the previous evening.
What happened to Gretchen Jones Project Runway? ›
Gretchen Jones (Season 8)
Jones continued working as a designer for a few years after her 2010 victory, but she has since pivoted to consulting, working with brands including Converse, REI and Pendleton. In 2018, she founded her own firm called Weird Specialty, which offers a holistic approach to business coaching.
What happened to Helen Castillo Project Runway? ›
Helen Castillo appeared on season 12 and returned for Project Runway All Stars season 4. She became a L'Oreal brand ambassador for Feria Violet hair color after her time on Project Runway, and collaborated with Mood Designer Fabrics for a 2022 fall collection.
What happened to Jack Mackenroth from Project Runway? ›
After Project Runway, he graced the covers of many magazines including reFresh, POZ, HIVplus, and Gloss. His fashion illustrations have also been featured in Nylon, Elle, and in ad campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Sushi Clothing.
Is Mimi on Project Runway a man? ›
In 2019, Mimi Tao made history when she became the first transgender model to appear on the American reality TV show Project Runway.
Why doesn t Heidi Klum do Project Runway anymore? ›
It turns out that Klum considered that the perfect time to move on to something new. "For me, it was like, okay, we're either going to just go back there and it's gonna be the same old same old — or now it's this opportunity to jump ship," she said at a Television Critics Association panel, as reported by The Wrap.
What did mychael Knight died from? ›
Knight died on October 17, 2017, at the age of 39. His cause of death remains a mystery. He had been open about his battle with irritable bowel syndrome and extreme weight loss in recent months, leaving many to wonder if the disease may have played a role in his death. Doctors believe that unlikely, however.
Who is the most successful designer from Project Runway? ›
Christian Siriano Is The Most Successful Project Runway Alum
Undoubtedly the most successful Project Runway contestant is Christian Siriano, who was named the winner of Project Runway season 4 at 21 years old.
Why did Cecilia leave Project Runway? ›
Cecilia Motwani (Season 9, 2011)
Why she left: Cecilia was rattled by Nina's gripes about her “boring, gray, baggy things” and decided enough was enough after receiving her first low score. Meanwhile, previously ousted contestant Josh Christensen rejoined the competition.
One week after her twin sister Shawn tearfully bowed out of a head-to-head challenge against her on the latest season of Lifetime's "Project Runway," Claire was booted from the show. She admitted to having a tape measure at the apartment where she was staying with the show's other contestants.
What happened to Korina Emmerich? ›
Now running her fashion line EMME singlehandedly from her Brooklyn apartment, Emmerich is part of the slow fashion movement, with a focus on sustainability and climate awareness as well as aesthetics.
What happened to Kimberly on Project Runway? ›
She tried out for Season 6 of the show but was told she needed more experience. She returned three years later and was a finalist in Season 9. In Season 6 of Project Runway All Stars, she was eliminated in episode 7. Goldson was one of the creators of LeBron James' women's shoe known as "The Strongest" campaign.
When did Tim Gunn stop Project Runway? ›
Klum and the designers' mentor Tim Gunn both left the show in 2018 to helm another fashion competition show, Making the Cut on Amazon Video.
What happened to Laura Bennett from Project Runway? ›
Author. After her appearance on Project Runway, Bennett started writing for the Web site The Daily Beast. Her article topics ranged from family life with her six children to fashion on the red carpet and a wide range of other topics.
What did Tim Gunn do on Project Runway? ›
Gunn is an executive producer for Project Runway: Junior. He is also the teen designers' mentor. Gunn also played a version of himself as a reporter for the fictional Fashion TV in two episodes of ABC's Ugly Betty in February 2007 and later guest starred on Drop Dead Diva in August 2009 as himself.
Has there ever been a straight man on Project Runway? ›
Yes there have been straight and/or bisexual men on Project Runway.
Who is Meg from Tulsa Project Runway? ›
Tulsa, OK. Age: 35
Meg Ferguson grew up immersed in the fashion industry—her grandma Betty was a seamstress who taught her how to sew, and her grandma Nona had a children's clothing store. At an early age, she was taught how to quilt and embroider, readying herself for a career in fashion.
