Tyra Banks Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Netflix

Tyra Banks is taking legal action against Netflix. The former host of America’s Next Top Model filed a defamation lawsuit on Saturday, claiming the streaming service manipulated her appearance in their recent documentary series, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. This three-part documentary revisits the show’s legacy and addresses various controversies that have surrounded it over the years.

The series looks into the cultural impact of ANTM while also delving into serious criticisms—this includes allegations of sexual assault on set, pressure for contestants to get cosmetic procedures, and the infamous blackface photoshoot that involved former contestants.

Banks indicated she was eager to participate in the project, aiming to engage in an open discussion about both the positive and negative aspects of the franchise. However, she claims her interview was misrepresented, stating it was “taken out of context and reconstructed to support a false and defamatory narrative,” as highlighted in her complaint.

The complaint notes, “Through selective editing, deliberate omissions, and surgical manipulation of footage sequences, the false narrative…included that Ms. Banks knowingly allowed a performer to be sexually assaulted on his show.” She asserts that this portrayal is entirely fabricated and was broadcast to millions.

As of now, Netflix has chosen not to comment on the matter.

Banks states that she participated in a thorough three-and-a-half-hour interview, discussing a broad array of topics because she felt viewers deserved a sincere look at the show’s complex history. However, according to the lawsuit, only 16 minutes of her interview made it into the final cut of the documentary.

Additionally, Banks posits that the producers edited the footage to suggest she was avoiding the topic of sexual assault, particularly in relation to former contestant Shandi Sullivan, who claims she faced sexual assault during the second season.

The complaint argues, “Defendants edited the Netflix series to make it appear as if they knew Ms. Banks was being asked questions about sexual assault and were intentionally trying to avoid the topic.” Banks expressed respect for Sullivan’s viewpoint and acknowledged the bravery it took to speak up.

Moreover, she felt misled, stating, “Ms. Banks hoped that someone involved with the Netflix series would inform her about what Ms. Sullivan had shared.” Yet, according to her, that information was deliberately withheld.

The lawsuit seeks damages for a variety of losses, including future business opportunities and a decline in income, with no specific amount mentioned. It claims the documentary has caused significant harm to her personal brand, which she has developed over decades. Notably, online ratings for her ice cream company, SMiZE & DREAM, have reportedly dropped since the premiere.

America’s Next Top Model originally aired in 2003 and ran for 24 seasons across multiple networks before concluding in 2018. Interestingly, Banks has mentioned in the documentary that she remains open to producing a 25th season, though it’s unclear if that will materialize.

The complaint concludes by stating that any discussions regarding the show’s legacy, which Banks was prepared to engage in, have been overshadowed by accusations for which she didn’t have a chance to respond.