Tyra Banks sues Netflix for alleged fabrication in America’s Next Top Model documentary

Tyra Banks, the iconic supermodel, is taking legal action against Netflix over a documentary that she claims presents a false and damaging portrayal of her involvement in America’s Next Top Model. In the lawsuit filed by Banks, she alleges that the three-part series, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, was edited in a way to misrepresent her role as host, judge, and executive producer on the show.

According to Banks, only 16 minutes of a lengthy three-and-a-half-hour interview she gave for the documentary were used, and they were taken out of context to support a narrative that she says is completely untrue. The lawsuit asserts that the documentary falsely suggested that Banks knowingly allowed a contestant to be sexually assaulted on the show and exploited the situation for ratings, claims that Banks vehemently denies.

The purpose of Banks’ participation in the documentary was to address criticisms of America’s Next Top Model openly and honestly, acknowledging both the show’s successes and its shortcomings. However, she alleges that the final product distorted her words and actions to create an unjust depiction of her character and intentions.

Netflix has not yet responded to these allegations, and Banks is seeking a jury trial to assess damages related to lost business opportunities and income. The lawsuit also mentions that Banks’ ice cream brand, SMiZE & DREAM, has experienced a decrease in online ratings since the release of the documentary, impacting her business reputation.

This legal battle highlights the importance of ensuring that content creators accurately represent individuals and their stories, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects like sexual assault. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Netflix responds and how the courts ultimately rule on this matter.