Her very first Sports Illustrated cover in 2023 sparked controversy, with many critics calling Kate Upton everything from ‘too curvy’ to ‘too blonde’

Now in a new interview with Elle Magazine, the blonde beauty has spoken out about the aftermath of the racy cover, saying she felt like she was being treated like a ‘toy

The 21-year-old makes the comments as she poses in a racy pH๏τo shoot which sees her showing off her famous curves in a sheer dress adorned with a sequined and feathered peacock design.

‘After my first Sports Illustrated cover, I felt terrible about myself for a solid month. Every single guy I met was either married or about to be married, and I felt like I was their bachelor present or something,’ Kate tells the magazine.

‘I’m not a toy, I’m a human. I’m not here to be used. I am a grown woman, and you need to figure your s**t out.’

The stunning American model also explains how she deals with people who treat her like just another ‘dumb blonde’.

‘People deal with models like they are children. They think they can pull one over on you,’ she explains.

‘It’s actually funny. I’m always like, I’m about to pull something on you, and you’re so focused on thinking I’m dumb you’re not even going to know.’

Kate, who has been linked to the likes of American Quarterback Mark Sanchez and MBL baseball player Justin Verlander, is now said to be dating Dancing With The Stars professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

But the supermodel says her busy schedule doesn’t allow her time for something ‘serious’.

‘I really have never had a serious relationship in the industry,’ she says. ‘I’m just having fun. Obviously I have a very busy schedule at this time in my life, and I don’t put relationships as a priority.’

The all-American beauty also explains the meaning behind her tiny tattoo in her interview, a cross on the inside of her finger.

‘I was at a pH๏τo shoot and I was wearing a cross necklace that my mom bought me, and somebody made a joke like, “Why are you wearing a cross? Like you would be religious,”‘ she explains.

‘And then they took [my necklace] away. I was really affected by that. The whole thing made me realize that I do want [a cross] with me, at all times.’

As well as striking a pose in a stunning sheer dress, Kate is also snapped showing off her very long legs in a pair of tiny high-waisted shorts teamed with a bohemian white shirt and a pair of red high heels.

And in an almost Fifties-themed sH๏τ, Kate displays her ample cleavage in a knitted green cardigan which exposes a hint of her lacy bra.