Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top ModelThe three-part documentary series about the model competition/reality show that ran from 2003-2018 arrived on Netflix in February. Former contestants, judges and producers were interviewed, most of whom admitted that ANTM Has not aged well. From makeovers that forced contestants to undergo permanent cosmetic/medical procedures, to photo shoot concepts that were extremely insensitive (racially and otherwise), the show is super cringe today. For the most part, the judges – gurus Jay Manuel and Miss Jay Alexander, and photographer Nigel Barker – found a true way to take a certain amount of pride in their work, while also fully acknowledging those terrible moments that (thankfully) would never fly today. the person who completely failed in this task ANTM Creator, executive producer and host Tyra Banks. It seemed like Tyra wanted all the praise and none of the blame. but unlike ANTMTyra doesn’t call the shots reality check. Apparently she did not like his behavior, because on Saturday she came Sued Netflix for defamationalleged that he edited her interviews “To support a false story.” Girl, it takes one to know one!
The filing reportedly reads, “Tyra Banks participated in the Netflix documentary series America’s Next Top Model (‘ANTM’) because she believed viewers deserve a candid conversation about the show’s legacy – its successes and its shortcomings.” The lawsuit continues, “There are certain aspects of the show for which Ms. Banks takes accountability and she wanted ANTM viewers to hear directly from her. In her interview, Ms. Banks did not limit the ANTM topics the interviewer could be asked about.” Over the course of the three-and-a-half interview, Ms. Banks answered questions about the show’s groundbreaking history, including criticism of decisions she would approach differently today.
Netflix has not publicly addressed Banks’ lawsuit. Us Weekly reached out to a company spokesperson for comment.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, which premiered on February 16, featured rare interviews with executive producers Banks and Ken Mok and former judges Jay Manuel, Miss Jay Alexander and Nigel Barker as they broke down the best – and worst – moments of the reality competition.
Contestants also opened up about their experiences behind the scenes, including shocking claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, and more. Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandy Sullivan, Danielle Evans and Kenya Hill were some of the alumni who reflected on their experience.
“I wanted to fight against the fashion industry. One day, this idea came to my mind. What if I created a show where you would see what it takes to be a model,” Banks explained in the three-part special. “And for this show to not represent all white, not all skinny people and just show all differences and all different types of beauties. I felt like I was going to change the world of beauty.”
When asked about the show’s controversial challenges, Banks called it “dumb bullshit”, adding, “I didn’t think it was controversial. I was in my own little bubble in my own mind. Looking at the show now through the lens of 2020, it’s an issue and I 100 percent understand why.”
…”Looking at that show through today’s lens, it’s like, ‘Why did you do that?’ I thank you for this. This is the only way you can change. The only way you’re going to get better is if someone calls you out on your bullshit,” Banks said. “This is important. I want you to know that I want you guys to be as open as I am now when someone invites you. Because that day will come and will continue to evolve. Because that’s what we’re all doing.”
(From Us Weekly)
one of the most painful moments reality check This is when former contestant Shandi Sullivan described filming in Italy for Cycle 2. The models were paired with sexy Italian men (who knows, maybe there were some priest model) that took women across the city to appointments on scooters. At the end of the day, the men would hang out in the models’ living quarters and party all night long. Shandy, who was in a relationship at the time, says she was drugged and passed out while a man sexually assaulted her… and production filmed the whole thing without intervening. What’s worse, when the episode aired, it was edited to make it seem as if Shandy had deliberately cheated. Oh, and the night after the incident, Tyra stopped by to chat with the girls about not being horny.
And now Tyra has the courage to cry He Was edited to look bad?? I hope a judge dismisses this case. Tyra can let go of her hurt feelings hot ice cream in bed. In the meantime, I challenge the filmmakers to release the full footage of my three and a half hour interview with Tyra. I think it won’t have as much of an exculpatory effect as Tyra’s lawsuit alleges.
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Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. Miss J in Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. Ten million. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026
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Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. (Left to right) Nigel Barker, Miss Jay and Jay Manuel in Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. Ten million. Courtesy of Netflix © 2026
Photos courtesy of Netflix via Netflix Press
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