Controversy has erupted after a 12-year-old Australian model was chosen for a top modeling job.

Madison Gabriel, the now 13-year old model, was picked to be the “face” of Gold Coast Fashion Week, which meant her face would be splashed all-over to advertise the event. She was 12 –years-old at the time.

The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, spoke up about the issue saying: “I think 12 is far too young.”

He was upset about it, her mother wasn’t.

Gabriel’s mother, not worried about the attention being received, said that every 13-year-old wears adult clothes, and that Mr. Howard is “out of touch”.

Organizers of the event said Gabriel wouldn’t be taking part in any catwalk shows, or wearing bikinis.

In many European countries models younger than 16 aren’t allowed to be used.

Now, along with the “how skinny is too skinny?” controversy, questions now may also lead to “how young is too young?”.

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Jennifer Zalitack
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