Tyra Banks Sues Netflix Over Documentary ‘Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model’

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Modelthe three-part docu-series about the modeling competition/reality show that ran from 2003-2018 was released on Netflix in February. Former contestants, judges and producers were interviewed, where the majority of them acknowledged that ANTM has not aged well. From makeovers that forced contestants to undergo permanent cosmetic/medical procedures to photo shoot concepts that were wildly insensitive (racially and otherwise), the show is super cruel today. For the most part, the judges – mentors Jay Manuel & Miss J. Alexander and photographer Nigel Barker – found a truthful way to take pride in their work while also fully owning up to the awful moments that (thankfully) would never fly today. The person who absolutely failed this task was ANTM creator, executive producer and host Tyra Banks. Tyra came across as wanting all the praise and none of the blame. But unlike ANTMTyra didn’t strike Reality Check. She obviously didn’t like the way she got off because last Saturday sued Netflix for defamationalleging that they edited her interviews “to support a false narrative.” Girl, takes one to know one!

“Tyra Banks joined the Netflix documentary series America’s Next Top Model (‘ANTM’) because she believed viewers deserved a candid conversation about the show’s legacy — its successes and its shortcomings,” the filing reads. “There are aspects of the show that Ms. Banks takes responsibility for and she wanted ANTM viewers to hear it directly from her. Going into her interview, Ms. Banks did not limit the ANTM topics the interviewer could ask,” the lawsuit continues. During a three and a half interview, Ms. Banks’ 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 J. Alexander and Nigel Barker as they broke down the reality competition’s best – and worst – moments.

The contestants also opened up about their behind-the-scenes experiences, which included discrimination, sexual assault and more shocking allegations. Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Danielle Evans and Keenyah Hill were some of the alumni who weighed in on their experiences.

“I wanted to fight the fashion industry. One day this idea hit me. What if I did a show where you saw 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 thin, and just show all the differences and all the different types of beauty. I felt like I was going to change the world of beauty.”

When asked about the show’s controversial challenges, Banks referred to it as “stupid s***,” adding, “I didn’t think it was controversial. I was in my own little bubble in my head. When you look at the show now through the lens of 2020, it’s a problem, 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 that. That’s the only way you can change. The only way you’re going to feel better is if someone calls you out on your s***,” Banks said. “It’s important. I should tell you that I want you to be as open as I am now to being called on my s*** when someone calls you on yours. Because that day will come and continue to evolve. Because that’s what we all do.”

(From Us Weekly)

One of the most harrowing moments from Reality Check is when former contestant Shandi Sullivan talks about filming in Italy for Cycle 2. The models were paired with hot Italian men (who knows, maybe some were priest models) who scooters the ladies around the city to appointments. At the end of the day, the men hung out at the models’ lounge and partied the night away. Shandi, who was in a relationship at the time, says she was exposed to alcohol and passed out when one of the men sexually assaulted her… and the production filmed the whole thing without intervening. Even worse, when the episode aired, it was edited to make it look like Shandi was deliberately cheating. Oh, and the night after this incident, Tyra stopped by to chat with the girls about not being promiscuous.

And now Tyra has the guts to cry it out she was edited to look bad?? I hope a judge dismisses this case. Tyra can nurse her tender feelings over one hot ice cream in bed. In the meantime, I dare the filmmakers to release the entire footage of their three and a half hour long interview with Tyra. I think it wouldn’t have the liberating effect Tyra’s lawsuit claims it would.

images courtesy of Netflix via Netflix Press