Tyra Banks Confronted by Dark Legacy of America's Next Top Model in Netflix Expose
The iconic supermodel Tyra Banks is facing intense scrutiny following the release of Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model on Netflix. This revealing documentary delves into the toxic underbelly of the beloved Noughties competition series, with former contestants breaking their silence about horrific conditions both on set and behind the scenes. Originally fronted by Tyra, the show promised aspiring models overnight fame and a global platform, but two decades later, participants describe being pushed to their physical and mental limits under exacting standards, while producers manipulated emotions to fuel drama.
Controversial Photoshoots Spark Outrage Over Racism and Exploitation
While ANTM was renowned for pushing creative boundaries, one of its most controversial concepts emerged in season four with a 'swap race' photoshoot. Intended to showcase makeup transformation, it featured white models in blackface and black models dressed as Native American and Korean individuals, all posing with children of the represented races. Tyra defended the shoot, stating she was in her 'own little bubble' and aimed to celebrate beauty, but the concept was repeated in Season 13, amplifying criticism.
Another inappropriate shoot required models to pose as homeless people alongside actual homeless individuals, inspired by Tyra's talk show experience. Judge Jay Manuel framed it as highlighting homeless youth, yet it blurred lines between fashion and exploitation. Season eight contestant Dionne Walters condemned a crime scene photoshoot where she had to pose as if shot in the head, despite producers knowing her mother was paralyzed by a gunshot. She accused them of seeking a mental breakdown, while producer Ken Mok took responsibility, calling it a mistake to glorify violence.
Sexual Assault Allegations and Production Ethics Questioned
In a disturbing revelation, season two's Shandi Sullivan reframed her infamous 'cheating' storyline as sexual assault, claiming she blacked out during an encounter with an Italian model and that no one intervened. Cameras captured the incident, and Shandi tearfully called her boyfriend, but she now asserts producers failed to protect her. Executive producer Ken Mok defended the filming as documentary-style, while Tyra declined to comment, citing production matters outside her purview.
Racist Remarks and Fat-Shaming Leave Lasting Scars
Season one's Ebony Haith spoke out about racist treatment, recalling hair stylists laughing at her texture and giving her bald spots. She described a call from Tyra where judges criticized her for appearing 'ashy,' a term she found historically demeaning. Meanwhile, fat-shaming plagued contestants like Giselle Samson, whose wide hips were mocked by judges, and Keenyah Hill, branded 'piggy chic' and criticized for her 'gut.' Whitney Thompson, the first plus-size winner, revealed crying daily due to intentional challenges and inadequate clothing, highlighting systemic body image issues.
On-Set Harassment and Unwanted Cosmetic Procedures
Keenyah Hill also recounted harassment from a male model during an Africa photoshoot, where she felt unprotected despite voicing discomfort. Tyra initially advised using 'feminine wiles,' but later apologized for her flippant response. Additionally, models faced pressured cosmetic changes, such as season six winner Dani Evans being told to close her tooth gap for marketability, which she called invasive. Runner-up Joanie Dodds underwent painful dental surgery without proper consultation, leading to lasting bite issues, all in the name of aesthetics.
The documentary underscores a pattern of exploitation and trauma, with Tyra acknowledging some missteps but former contestants demanding accountability for years of emotional and physical harm.
