Kate Upton (Andrew Toth/Startraksphoto.com)
Sports Illustrated treated Kate Upton like a dumb blonde: The top model only learned she landed on the cover of the Swimsuit Issue when the news leaked online Friday. “I immediately called SI, and they were like, ‘Don’t tweet anything!’ ” she told us at the issue’s official launch party Tuesday at Crimson. Upton’s on the cover for the second year in a row, and has bizarrely been bashed by some for her curvy body. “Everyone has the right to their own opinion,” she told us. “I am in a good place in my career, so it’s all right.”
SEE: UPTON’S ‘CONTROVERSIAL’ CURVES
While Upton brushed off criticism, her fellow bikini babes came to her defense. “Everyone is hyper-critical of women, and it’s got to stop,” Alyssa Miller said. “We should be embracing all body types.” Chrissy Teigen added, “I don’t think people realize we read everything.” While Upton was top dog, Katherine Webb — the SI babe and Miss Alabama who became famous as Brent Musburger’s obsession — turned almost as many heads. She was seen posing for pics with pageant- queen guests Alison Cronin and Brenna Mader.