Tyra Banks Challenges Netflix Over ANTM Documentary
Tyra Banks is pushing back against Netflix after a docuseries about America’s Next Top Model sparked renewed criticism of her legacy on the long-running reality competition show.
The famed model, producer and former host has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Netflix over her portrayal in Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, claiming the series used selective editing and manipulation to support what she calls a false narrative.
According to the lawsuit, obtained by PEOPLE, Banks is suing for defamation after participating in a more than three-hour interview for the project. Only about 16 minutes of that interview were used in the final documentary.
“Tyra Banks participated in 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 lawsuit states. “There are aspects of the show for which Ms. Banks takes accountability and she wanted ANTM viewers to hear that from her directly.”
Lawsuit Claims Selective Editing Created A False Narrative
Banks’ lawsuit argues that the docuseries was presented to viewers as a definitive documentary, not a manufactured reality-style drama.
“The Netflix series Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model was sold to viewers as a ‘documentary series,’” the lawsuit says. “Netflix called it ‘the definitive, must-watch chronicle of America’s Next Top Model.’ The genre matters. Viewers of a documentary do not expect manufactured drama or constructed narratives. They expect facts.”
Banks claims the final version left out moments where she addressed criticism, took accountability and discussed parts of America’s Next Top Model that she would approach differently today.
The suit alleges the documentary constructed a damaging narrative suggesting Banks knowingly allowed a contestant to be sexually assaulted on the show, exploited the trauma for ratings and later could not remember the incident.
“That narrative about Ms. Banks is a complete fabrication—one that Netflix streamed to a global audience of millions,” the lawsuit states.
Shandi Sullivan’s Story Became A Major Flashpoint
One of the most discussed moments in the series involved Cycle 2 contestant Shandi Sullivan, who revisited an incident that happened while filming in Italy. Sullivan said production framed the encounter as a cheating scandal at the time, rather than treating it as an alleged sexual assault on set.
Banks says in the lawsuit that she was unaware Sullivan had classified the encounter as sexual assault.
The lawsuit also claims producers edited Banks’ reaction in a way that made it appear she did not remember Sullivan’s story. Banks says the full footage showed her nodding and saying, “I do remember her story,” but that portion was allegedly cut.
“The implication is devastating and deliberate: that Tyra Banks cannot even remember the story of the woman who was assaulted on her show,” the lawsuit says.
Director Said Documentary Would Have Happened With Or Without Banks
Earlier this year, Reality Check director Mor Loushy told The Wrap that the documentary was moving forward whether Banks participated or not.
“This documentary was happening, regardless if she was giving an interview or not, and she decided she did want to share her side of the story,” Loushy said. “I’m very happy that she did, because it gave the opportunity to really go deep into the debates, into the start of the idea, and not by a third person but from Tyra herself, to really hear the journey that she’s been through.”
The docuseries became a major topic of discussion after its release, especially around Banks’ relationship with Jay Manuel and J. Alexander, the show’s treatment of contestants and the behind-the-scenes culture of early-2000s reality television.
Banks Seeks Damages Over Alleged Career Harm
Banks is seeking damages, including alleged loss of future business opportunities, loss of business income and other losses she says will be shown at trial.
The lawsuit marks the latest chapter in the ongoing public reckoning around America’s Next Top Model, a show once praised for expanding visibility in fashion, but now frequently revisited for its treatment of contestants and controversial challenges.
