Bedlam breaks out at NYC 'Top Model' auditions

NEW YORK (AP) - March 14, 2009 Police didn't know what prompted the chaos involving hundreds of people outside the Park Central New York hotel. The panic left the midtown street outside the hotel littered with the would-be models' shoes and clothing, according to news reports.

Two women and a man were arrested on disorderly conduct charges, police said. Authorities also shut down the audition, saying it wasn't properly organized.

Four injured people declined treatment, while two others were taken to a hospital, the fire department said. Their conditions weren't immediately available.

The hotel's phone rang unanswered. Representatives for The CW Network, which airs the reality show, didn't immediately return telephone calls.

The popular reality show is hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, who also serves as its executive producer. The current season began March 4.

Her agent and publicist didn't immediately return telephone calls.

Banks has said she created the show to counter stereotypes about beauty, and Saturday's auditions were open only to women no taller than 5-foot-7, shorter than the industry's conventions.

Open tryouts also are being held this month in several other cities around the country, including Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.

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