Defends Olivia Jade Casting On 'Dancing With The Stars' The host responds to the casting backlash.

Tyra Banks

The 'DWTS' host stuck up of the 21-year-old disgraced YouTuber and said she believes her wholeheartedly during an interview with ET.

"I think Olivia is so brave. I think people don't know her, they know what happened to her," Tyra said after being asked about the casting backlash.

Olivia's parents famously both went to jail due to their involvement in the college admissions scandal.

Lori Loughlin and Massimo Giannulli paid $500k in bribes to get there daughters into USC as recruits for the rowing team.

Many 'DWTS' fans were upset by Olivia's casting because she is not a "true star" and doesn't deserve a chance to win the Mirrorball trophy.

Banks clarified that Olivia Jade is deserving of the spot despite her non-traditional route to fame.

"If people are talking about you, you're famous," Tyra said, "And you can be on 'Dancing With the Stars.'"