Tyra Banks Sues Netflix Over Controversial Documentary

Nearly four months after Netflix released a provocative documentary about “America’s Next Top Model,” the show’s creator, Tyra Banks, has filed a lawsuit against the streaming service. The suit, which touches on issues including false light, implied defamation, breach of contract, and false endorsement, was filed on June 13.

In her lawsuit, Banks claims the documentary’s producers misled viewers by compressing a lengthy 3.5-hour interview down to just 16 minutes. This editing, she argues, falsely suggests that a former contestant concealed a sexual assault that occurred on the set of “ANTM.”

According to the complaint, Banks felt it was important to engage in a candid conversation about the show’s impact—both its achievements and failures. “Tyra Banks participated in the Netflix documentary series ‘America’s Next Top Model’ because she believed viewers should openly discuss the show’s legacy,” the lawsuit states, indicating that she was open to discussing all topics related to the show.

The lawsuit continues by asserting that during her extensive interview, Banks touched on the show’s groundbreaking history, including the critiques of its past decisions, which might differ from today’s standards.

In the suit, Banks expresses disappointment, saying she was initially brought on board under the impression that the documentary would fairly portray “ANTM.” Instead, she claims the footage was manipulated to promote a harmful narrative. This narrative supposedly implies that she was aware of cast member exploitation and failed to act, which Banks categorically denies as a “complete fabrication.”

Additionally, the lawsuit highlights a particularly concerning incident involving former contestant Shandi Sullivan. Over the years, a notable aspect of “ANTM” has been a night where Sullivan became intoxicated and engaged in sexual activity, which she later disclosed to her then-partner. However, in the Netflix documentary, Sullivan is portrayed as describing the encounter as an assault—a characterization that Banks insists she has never heard of in past discussions.

The implications of this portrayal, Banks argues, are both damaging and intentional. For instance, when a question arises about her memories of Sullivan’s experience, Banks pauses—and the screen goes black, leaving viewers with a misleading conclusion about her awareness of such incidents on her show.

Supporting her case, Banks’ legal team asserts that she does remember Sullivan vividly, recalling her as a talented young woman. They emphasize that, at the time, the event did not register as sexual assault in Banks’ mind, and earlier reviews by network standards and practices found no issue with how the episode was presented.

Ultimately, Banks is seeking a jury trial and hopes to receive appropriate punitive damages for the distress caused by the documentary’s narrative.