Tyra Banks Files Lawsuit Against Netflix Over ‘ANTM’ Docuseries
Tyra Banks has officially filed a lawsuit against Netflix, asserting that she was defamed in the streaming platform’s recent America’s Next Top Model docuseries, Reality Check. The supermodel and former host of the iconic reality competition series claims that her participation in the project was intended to provide a candid look at the show’s legacy, but that the final product was manipulated to misrepresent her character.
Allegations of Selective Editing and Defamation
According to the lawsuit, which was first obtained by People, Banks participated in a four-hour interview with the docuseries’ filmmakers under the impression that she would be contributing to an honest conversation about the show’s successes and shortcomings. However, the legal filing alleges that only 16 minutes of that footage were utilized, and that the material was subjected to “surgical manipulation” to construct a false narrative.
“Tyra Banks participated in the Netflix documentary series America’s Next Top Model because she believed viewers deserved a candid conversation about the show’s legacy,” 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.”
The complaint specifically highlights the docuseries’ portrayal of Banks regarding a contestant’s alleged sexual assault. The lawsuit argues that producers edited the footage to make it appear as though Banks was indifferent or unable to recall the incident, despite her having provided a clear, affirmative response during the actual interview. By cutting out her acknowledgment of the event, the lawsuit claims, Netflix presented a “complete fabrication” to a global audience.
The Broader Context of the Docuseries
Reality Check has drawn significant attention for its focus on the chaotic and often controversial environment of America’s Next Top Model. Many former contestants featured in the series have detailed experiences of manipulation, emotional distress, and a lack of safety standards on set. Shandi Sullivan, a contestant from Season Two, has been among those speaking out, criticizing the show’s treatment of participants and questioning the accountability of the production team.
Banks’ legal team contends that the docuseries producers deliberately stripped her interview of context to align with the negative experiences shared by other participants, effectively scapegoating her for the show’s systemic issues. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial to determine appropriate damages for the harm caused by the alleged defamation.
