Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the directors of its docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, alleging that the producers manipulated hours of interview footage to construct a false narrative. The lawsuit, filed on Saturday in Los Angeles federal court, claims that Banks was interviewed for three and a half hours, during which she took responsibility for some of the show’s controversial decisions. However, those interviews were edited down to 16 minutes and manipulated “to support a false and defamatory narrative unrelated to what she actually expressed.”
Allegations of Manipulation
Banks’ lawyers argue that the editing process selectively removed moments of accountability. “The accountability Ms. Banks took ended up on the cutting room floor,” they wrote. “It was there, but viewers were never given the opportunity to see it.” The lawsuit contends that the producers used “selective editing, deliberate omission, and surgical manipulation of continuous footage” to create a narrative that Banks allowed a contestant to be sexually assaulted on the show, used the trauma for ratings, and then could not recall the incident during interviews.
Specific Claims
According to the lawsuit, “Defendants edited the Netflix Series to make it appear that Ms. Banks knew she was being asked about a sexual assault and was intentionally trying to evade the topic.” Banks contends she was not informed about the assault during the interview and was not given the chance to respond. She is seeking damages against Netflix, directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, and EverWonder Studio. Additionally, she seeks an injunction to prevent the use of her image in connection with the docuseries’ soundtrack album.
Background on America's Next Top Model
America’s Next Top Model launched in 2003 and ran for 24 seasons. The reality competition series has faced critical re-evaluation over accusations of body shaming, manipulation of contestants, and problematic photoshoots. Banks has previously acknowledged these criticisms, noting “the insensitivity of past ANTM moments” and “some really off choices.”
Lack of Fact-Checking
Banks’ lawyers state she was not permitted to review the docuseries until a day before its release on 16 February. She was not contacted for fact-checking after her interviews and had no opportunity to respond to accusations from other participants. In March, her lawyers requested access to the full interview footage from Netflix and EverWonder, but the request was denied. Since the docuseries aired, public reaction has been “swift, harsh, and directed squarely at Ms. Banks,” even affecting her Sydney ice cream shop, SMiZE + DREAM, which suffered review bombing on Google.
Legal Response
“Every other conversation about ANTM’s legacy — including the candid reflection Ms. Banks came prepared to have – is now drowned out by an accusation she was never given the chance to answer,” her lawyers wrote. “This lawsuit is that answer – particularly after her efforts to resolve the matter directly with Netflix and the producers were refused.” Emails seeking comments were sent to the defendants’ representatives on Sunday.
