Tyra Banks filed a lawsuit against Netflix on Saturday, alleging the streaming service manipulated her interview for the documentary "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model." Banks is suing Netflix, 89 Blocks Holdings, EverWonder Studio, Netflix Music, and co-directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan for false light, defamation by implication, breach of contract, and false endorsement.
The lawsuit claims Banks's testimony was "reassembled to support a false and defamatory narrative unrelated to what she actually expressed." According to co-director Mor Loushy, Banks received no advance questions, had no approval power over her presentation, and could only view the finished series when it became available to the public. "She had no say, no influence, no anything," Loushy told Vanity Fair.
Banks agreed to participate in the documentary after being told it would proceed with or without her involvement. She intended to present her perspective and express her commitment to making modeling more inclusive. Instead, the series sparked intense criticism from former contestants and judges.
The documentary became a major success for Netflix, drawing more than 14 million views in its first week and topping the platform's English-language charts. However, the publicity has intensified scrutiny of the reality competition show, which Banks created and hosted across 24 cycles from 2003 to 2018. The series has faced renewed criticism over its treatment of contestants and industry practices.
Former contestants expressed disappointment with Banks's response in the documentary. Brittany Brower called the series "triggering" and criticized Banks for failing to take accountability. Brittany Corinne Hatch stated that the show was "a systemic labor violation and a psychological experiment."
Banks did acknowledge going too far in one infamous moment from the show's fourth cycle. During an interaction with contestant Tiffany Richardson, Banks stated "You know, I lost it." According to judges interviewed in the documentary, Banks's outburst was more severe than what aired and resulted in her removal from the set. Richardson disputed Banks's account on social media, calling her a bully.
Her former judges offered limited support. Creative director Jay Manuel said he would have appreciated greater vulnerability from Banks. Catwalk coach J Alexander suffered a stroke in December 2022 and spent five weeks in a coma. Banks reportedly sent only a text message rather than visiting him in person.
Not all reactions were negative. Isis King, the show's first transgender contestant, acknowledged the positive impact the show had on her life.
The lawsuit represents Banks's attempt to hold Netflix and the production companies accountable for how she was depicted in the final cut. Neither Netflix nor the other defendants have publicly responded to the legal action.