America's Next Top Model Winner Critiques Netflix Documentary and Tyra Banks' Role
An America's Next Top Model champion has openly shared her candid reflections on Netflix's new documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, while drawing sharp contrasts with her personal journey on the iconic reality television series.
Sophie Sumner, who triumphed in cycle 18 of America's Next Top Model back in 2012, expressed both appreciation and pointed criticism regarding the documentary's portrayal of the show. She highlighted what she described as the series' harmful aspects and the problematic messages it conveyed to both contestants and viewers across the globe.
Disconnect with Tyra Banks in Documentary
In a detailed Instagram video, Sophie Sumner raised significant questions about Tyra Banks' participation in the Netflix documentary. She suggested that Banks appeared to be operating under a completely different brief compared to all other contributors involved in the production.
"I just finished watching the America’s Next Top Model documentary and I have some thoughts," Sophie stated. "I did feel a little bit like, Tyra - what documentary are you on? It felt like she was on a very different documentary to everybody else."
She speculated that Banks' publicist might have encouraged her involvement to potentially revive interest in a new season of Top Model, while other participants seemed focused on sharing their authentic truths about their experiences on the show.
"Meanwhile, everyone else seemed to be there to tell their truth about what happened to them on Top Model - a side we haven’t really seen before - and there just seemed to be a bit of a disconnect with her," Sophie added.
Heartbreaking Stories and Lack of Accountability
Sophie Sumner described many segments of the documentary as extremely difficult to watch, pointing to a serious absence of accountability surrounding numerous controversial incidents depicted in the series.
"A lot of it was really hard to watch," she confessed. "There was a serious lack of accountability around a lot of things, and hearing those stories - seeing those women on screen - was absolutely heartbreaking."
Despite these criticisms, Sophie expressed genuine delight at seeing familiar faces from the show reappear on her screen. She specifically mentioned judges J. Alexander, also known as Miss J, and Nigel Barker, noting her surprise at some of their personal revelations.
"It was lovely to see Mr Jay Alexander, Miss J Alexander, and Nigel Barker back on screen," she said. "I didn’t know anything about what happened with Miss J - that was so sad. It was really cool, though, because I feel like you got to see more of the real Mr Jay."
Nostalgic Reflections on Personal Top Model Journey
Sophie Sumner also opened up about her own experiences competing on America's Next Top Model, describing a powerful sense of nostalgia while watching the documentary unfold.
"Personally, when it comes to my own story - being on Top Model and winning America’s Next Top Model - I felt really nostalgic for the essence of what Top Model was meant to be before it all went absolutely bananas," she revealed.
She emphasized her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the show, acknowledging that many people dreamed of such an experience.
"I did feel nostalgic, and honestly very grateful that I got to be part of it," Sophie continued. "Not many people can say that, and so many people dreamed of it. I’d never take that away - I feel extremely grateful for that journey."
Revelations About Photo Selection and Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
The documentary prompted Sophie to reflect on the dysfunctional family dynamics that characterized the Top Model experience, noting how contestants shared similar journeys but vastly different personal outcomes.
"At the same time, it was interesting watching all these other girls who had the same journey but such different experiences," she observed. "It’s like this big dysfunctional family. Seeing everyone again made me feel warm and fuzzy in that way."
She also confirmed long-standing suspicions among contestants about photo selection processes during the competition.
"And some of it? I was like, ‘I knew it. I knew you weren’t choosing our best photos.’ We said it all the time on my cycle - ‘You’re not choosing our best photos!’ So there were definitely moments where I was like, yes, clock that one," Sophie admitted.
In conclusion, Sophie Sumner characterized her Top Model experience as a wild and crazy ride, expressing appreciation for being part of that unique television family despite the complexities and controversies highlighted in the Netflix documentary.
"But overall - what a wild ride. What a crazy time. It spanned so long, and I’m grateful I got to be part of that family and that journey," she concluded.
