Netflix’s America’s Next Top Model docuseries revealed where Tyra Banks stands with many former contestants after they offered their unfiltered opinions of the show.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, streaming now, features interviews from alums Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Danielle Evans and Keenyah Hill.
New confessionals with executive producer Ken Mok, former judges Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander and Nigel Barker offer more insight into the behind the scenes dynamics — including rare commentary from Banks herself.
“I haven’t really said much. But now it’s time,” Banks, 52, explains to producers in one scene. “I’m going to take you to 2020. COVID hit and the world was binging TV. … They didn’t watch it back then and it went from this thing that everybody loved to overnight heat — just a whole different lens. What I think is important is to understand where that came from.”
Banks also recalls her approach with America’s Next Top Model, which ran from 2003 to 2018, saying, “I wanted to fight against the fashion industry. One day, this idea just hit me. What if I created a show where you saw what it took to become a model. And for this show to represent not all white, not all skinny and to just show all the differences and all the different types of beauties. I had a feeling that I was gonna change the beauty world.”
Despite positive intentions, Banks acknowledges the offscreen backlash from controversial photo shoot concepts to allegations of discrimination, sexual assault and more.
“Looking at that show through the lens of today, it’s like, ‘Why did you do that?’ I thank you for that. That is the only way you change. That is the only way you get better is by somebody calling you out on your s***,” Banks says. “It is important. I want to let you know that I want you guys to be just as open as I am now by getting called on my s*** by when somebody calls you out on yours. Because that day will come and continue to evolve. Because that’s what we’re all doing.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of which contestants and winners participated in the America’s Next Top Model docuseries — and where they stand with Banks:
Shannon Stewart (Cycle 1)
The runner-up from season 1 recalled her struggles with an eating disorder before and during the show. She expressed gratitude to Tyra Banks for speaking out about the conversations surrounding weight on the show — and for sending flowers when Shannon Stewart didn’t win. Stewart ultimately left modeling and committed to her faith.
Ebony Haith (Cycle 1)
The contestant from the debut season voiced frustration with Tyra Banks after the former host brought up her sexual orientation on screen because she “forgot the danger” at the time. Ebony Haith was still happy how her personal life was portrayed — despite the obstacles she faced as a Black woman.
Ebony didn’t feel “protected” and felt “full disappointment” of how she was represented. She claimed Banks barely spoke to her on the show outside of comments that felt targeted, which is when she realized the host wouldn’t help her.
The aspiring actress ultimately said Banks “very much disappointed” her.
Giselle Samson (Cycle 1)
For Giselle Samson, it was shocking when America’s Next Top Model wasn’t what she thought it was going to be. She said she felt pushed by production to start drama and her self esteem suffered after watching Tyra Banks and others discuss her weight on the show.
Samson was a real estate agent after leaving modeling behind — and she has since joined a theater group.
Shandi Sullivan (Cycle 2)
Before joining America’s Next Top Model in 2004, Shandi Sullivan worked at her local Walgreens in Missouri. She nearly made it to the end of her season until she was sexually assaulted during a group trip to Italy. The assault was then used as a cheating story line.
She expressed frustration with Tyra Banks and producers before confirming she left modeling. Sullivan currently works with animals.
Bre Scullark (Cycle 5)
Bre Scullark, who now works with violent offenders to help their rehabilitation, pointed out how the show lacked in supporting Black women, contestants struggling with eating disorders and more.
Danielle Evans (Cycle 6)
Danielle Evans notably stayed longer during her season because she agreed to get rid of a gap in her teeth despite voicing issues with the medical procedure. She won her season but never found success as a model because of the stigma that came with appearing on America’s Next Top Model.
Danielle claimed she had a conversation with Tyra Banks, who admitted she knew the contestant wouldn’t succeed in the industry. The former model, who is no longer in the industry, said Tyra’s ‘ intentions in the beginning were good’ but ‘that s*** got lost.’
Joanie Dodds (Cycle 6)
In the doc, Joanie Dodds recalled having to get her teeth ripped out for a challenge. She consented to the procedure but claimed she didn’t realize the extent of the aftermath, which included “many orthodontic issues” that “never got fixed.”
Dodds admitted she would love to do America’s Next Top Model but not the same way. She has since found success on home improvement shows and that led to her owning her own business related to carpentry.
Dionne Walters (Cycle 8)
During her season, Dionne Walters had to do a photoshoot challenge where she posed as a victim of gun violence. Producers knew that Dionne’s mother was shot and paralyzed in real life, which she didn’t think was coincidental.
Dionne tried to make it in the modeling industry multiple times but it wasn’t successful. She also revealed she “wasn’t contacted” after being eliminated. Dionne is now a small business owner and a realtor.
Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10)
Whitney Thompson was the first plus-size winner of the show but that came with feeling self conscious. She recalled being given clothes that didn’t fit that she had to make work. While Whitney acknowledged that the show “didn’t age well,” it was “also a reflection of the time.” The ice cream shop owner expressed gratitude to Tyra Banks for opening the door for her to be on the show.
Keenyah Hill (Cycle 4)
Keenyah Hill recalled how her entire narrative on the show surrounded her weight. She said it made her feel dirty to see the damaging edits of her eating and the conversations surrounding her appearance. Hill also pointed to a challenge where a male model was ‘aggressively hitting” on her and touching her – but her attempt to get protection turned into her being shamed.
Tyra Banks defended the reaction by saying she offered the best advice she could at the time. Banks admitted Hill deserved more. In her confessional, Hill revealed she is a pose coach helping aspiring models.
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