Former contestants from “America’s Next Top Model” are advocating for improved protections for reality TV participants after the release of a documentary about the show. Contestants like Gina Turner, Brittany Hatch, Sarah Vonderhaar, Gisele Samson, and Sarah Hartshorne recently met with California lawmakers to push for stronger regulations based on their own experiences.
“This isn’t just about telling our story,” Turner stated, emphasizing the importance of protecting future contestants. “It’s about ensuring that the issues we faced on ANTM don’t adversely affect the next generation pursuing their dreams.”
Turner expressed the collective strength of their voices, saying, “We are demanding real accountability and real change,” underscoring that this isn’t a singular issue but one shared among many women.
A video from Turner surfaced shortly after Netflix debuted “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” a three-part series examining behind-the-scenes controversies related to the show. The documentary includes claims of sexual harassment and body shaming, featuring a scene in which host Tyra Banks compelled a contestant to undergo dental work.
In a retrospective look at the show, Banks admitted some of her comments were excessive. “We knew it was too much. It was very, very intense,” she said. “But you guys were asking for it, so we kept pushing.” The documentary also highlighted Banks’ regrets over some of the footage.
Reflecting on the criticisms faced during the show, Banks commented, “Some agents said they couldn’t do the job with those teeth, but that’s not true. I could have just kept quiet and let them do what they wanted. Hindsight is 20/20.” This acknowledgment of past mistakes adds depth to a narrative that many are now keen to alter, looking not only to react but to create a safer environment for future contestants.
