Tyra Banks sues Netflix over ‘America’s Next Top Model’ documentary

Tyra Banks, best known for her iconic show “America’s Next Top Model,” has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and the makers of the docuseries “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.” Banks alleges that the producers spliced and edited her 3 ½ hours of interview footage into 16 minutes to create a false narrative, and is seeking damages as a result.

In the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Banks claims that during the lengthy interview, she took responsibility for some of the controversial decisions on her show. However, the final cut portrayed her inaccurately, omitting crucial details that painted her in a negative light. Her legal team emphasized that Banks’ admissions were removed in favor of a defamatory depiction.

Banks is pursuing legal action against Netflix, directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, and EverWonder Studio. She is also seeking an injunction to prevent her image from being associated with the docuseries’ soundtrack, released as an album, in order to rectify the misconceptions propagated in the show.

Responding to the claims, representatives for the defendants have remained silent. “America’s Next Top Model,” which first aired in 2003 and ran for 24 seasons, has faced backlash in recent years for its handling of contestants, with allegations of body shaming and manipulation emerging. Banks has previously owned up to the show’s past failings, acknowledging its insensitive moments and problematic decisions.

The lawsuit argues that the docuseries producers intentionally spliced footage to suggest that Banks condoned a contestant’s assault, sensationalized the incident for ratings, and feigned ignorance during filming. Banks stresses that she was blindsided and unaware of the assault in question, and highlights the unethical editing practices employed to misrepresent her actions and words.

Banks details how she was given minimal time to review the series before its release, leaving her uninformed about the final product. The lawsuit further claims that Banks was never offered a chance to verify facts or refute any misleading content. The situation reflects a broader issue, underscoring the importance of context and integrity in media production.

Tyra Banks, a trailblazer in the modeling industry, is standing up against the misrepresentation she faced in the docuseries. The lawsuit highlights the behind-the-scenes challenges of reality television and raises questions about ethical editing practices in the entertainment industry.