Tyra Banks files a defamation suit against Netflix, alleging she was coerced into joining the ‘ANTM’ documentary.

Tyra Banks Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Netflix

Tyra Banks is taking legal action against Netflix, alleging defamation related to her appearance in the documentary “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.” She asserts that she was misled into participating in the project.

The lawsuit, which was submitted on Saturday, states that Banks agreed to be part of the series because she felt it was important for an open discussion about the show’s legacy—both its successes and its failings. It emphasizes that she wished viewers to hear directly from her regarding her role in the show.

According to the lawsuit, she had no restrictions on the topics that could be explored during her interview. Over the course of three and a half hours, she discussed the groundbreaking aspects of the show, including criticism of her approach, which differs from the norms of today.

However, she claims that only a mere 16 minutes of her interview made it into the final edit, and the selected clips were manipulated to form a misleading and defamatory narrative that does not reflect her actual remarks.

The suit describes the Netflix series as being presented to viewers as a documentary. It criticizes Netflix for branding it as the “definitive” account of “America’s Next Top Model,” asserting that documentary viewers typically expect factual content rather than constructed drama.

In the documentary, Banks supposedly accepts responsibility for some controversial storylines from the show. Yet, she disputes certain elements, particularly regarding allegations of sexual assault made by former contestant Shandi Sullivan, who alleged she was assaulted by a male model while in Italy. The reality show had framed this incident as a cheating scandal, which Banks found troubling.

She claims the documentary falsely suggested that she was aware of the assault, exploiting that trauma for ratings without her authorization or remembrance of the incident when questioned.

Additionally, Banks responded to accusations that she halted production after a report of inappropriate behavior from a cast member. She defended herself by stating that she took swift action by escalating the matter to higher executives and ensuring that the crew received adequate training in sexual harassment.