The 7 Most Shocking Revelations in Netflix’s America’s Next Top Model Documentary
Netflix’s documentary, “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” delves into the controversies of the iconic reality show that aired from 2003 to 2018. The documentary spans three episodes and features interviews with its producers and coaches, including Tyra Banks. It highlights moments that are considered troubling and reflects a changing cultural perspective on reality television.
The 7 Most Shocking Revelations in Netflix’s America’s Next Top Model Documentary
1. Tyra Banks’ Fallout with Jay Manuel
The show’s creative director, Jay Manuel, explained that he felt pressured to stay involved with the series after expressing a desire to leave. He communicated that he found the changing nature of the show distressing. Following his polite email, Banks responded with disappointment, which led to a strained relationship. Manuel described his experience working with Banks as psychologically taxing.
2. The Fat Shaming Debate
The documentary addresses the show’s history of body image issues and acknowledges the pressure placed on contestants to conform to specific beauty standards. Cycle 10 contestant Whitney Thompson reflected on experiencing body shaming and not receiving appropriate sizes for photo shoots. While some argue that the attitudes were a product of their time, the conversation around body positivity has evolved significantly since the show’s early seasons.
3. The Gap Controversy
Dani Evans, the winner of Cycle 6, faced pressure to alter her appearance by closing her tooth gap. Photographer Nigel Barker expressed his disagreement with this expectation. Despite later apologizing for the incident, Banks admitted that industry standards played a role in this decision, prompting Evans to accuse the show of exploiting her for entertainment value.
4. Regrettable Race Swapping Shoots
The show encountered backlash for using racially insensitive concepts in photo shoots. Banks justified one controversial shoot as an attempt to celebrate diversity but later recognized the potential harm it caused. Another highly criticized shoot involving models posing as crime scene victims was termed a serious mistake by executive producer Ken Mok.
5. Lack of Protection for Models
Serious concerns arose about the treatment of models during vulnerable moments. Incidents included a contestant, Shandi Sullivan, who became intoxicated on camera, and another model, Keenyah Hill, who faced inappropriate behavior from a male counterpart. As Mok reflected, the show’s production values didn’t prioritize model safety adequately.
6. Tyra Banks’ Infamous Meltdown
In a memorable scene, Banks reprimanded contestant Tiffany Richardson harshly, stating, “I was rooting for you!” Banks later admitted her reaction was fueled by deeper personal issues and a loss of control. Manuel revealed that the full extent of Parks’ outburst was much more intense than what viewers witnessed.
7. Miss J’s Stroke and Tyra’s Absence
Miss J, a coacht for 18 seasons, revealed he suffered a severe stroke in 2022, leading to a long recovery. While fellow co-stars visited him in the hospital, he noted that Banks had not reached out until much later, raising questions about their relationship during a critical time.
As the documentary unfolds, it emphasizes how perceptions of reality TV have changed dramatically. The revelations invite viewers to reconsider the implications of entertainment choices that once seemed acceptable.
