Tyra Banks Sues Netflix Over Defamation in ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Documentary
Tyra Banks is taking legal action against Netflix and the creators of the docuseries “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” for defamation. She claims that the producers distorted her interviews to create a false narrative.
Banks, who was the mastermind behind “America’s Next Top Model,” alleges that her 3 ½ hours of interviews were edited down to just 16 minutes and manipulated to portray her in a negative light. She insists that the responsibility she took for controversial decisions on the show was omitted from the final edit.
The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court also seeks damages and an injunction against the use of her image in connection with the docuseries’ soundtrack. Emails requesting comments from the defendants have been sent.
“America’s Next Top Model” has faced scrutiny in recent years for issues like body shaming and manipulation of contestants. Banks has previously acknowledged past insensitivities on the show.
According to the lawsuit, the Netflix series falsely portrays Banks as allowing a contestant to be assaulted on the show and exploiting the trauma for ratings. The lawsuit claims that Banks was not informed about the assault during the interviews and alleges selective editing to paint her in a negative light.
Banks’ lawyers state that she was not given the opportunity to fact-check the docuseries before its release and was excluded from discussions about its content. Requests to access the full interview footage have been denied by Netflix and EverWonder Studio.
The public backlash following the release of the docuseries has been intense, with criticism directed at Banks. The lawsuit reflects Banks’ efforts to correct the record and defend her reputation.
