Tyra Banks Takes Netflix to Court Over ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Documentary

Tyra Banks is suing Netflix, claiming the streaming service and producers of the docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model twisted her words and damaged her reputation by selectively editing her interview.

Banks agreed to participate in the documentary wanting to have an open discussion about the legacy of America’s Next Top Model, including her willingness to address past mistakes and controversies tied to the competition series. But according to her lawsuit, Netflix only used 16 minutes of a three-and-a-half-hour interview in the final cut.

The supermodel argues that her comments were cherry-picked and taken out of context, creating what she calls a “false and defamatory narrative.” She claims the documentary left out portions where she took responsibility for certain past decisions, instead presenting her in a much harsher light.

A key point in the lawsuit centers on how the documentary handled former contestant Shandi Sullivan’s allegations of sexual assault during an Italy-based ANTM cycle. Banks contends the series falsely implies she knew about the incident and allowed it to happen, then conveniently forgot about it. She says this portrayal is inaccurate and has hurt her reputation.

The suit also challenges the documentary’s portrayal of Banks’ relationship with former judge J. Alexander, known as Miss J. The series suggested she ignored him after his 2022 stroke, but Banks maintains she repeatedly tried to contact him and stay in touch.

Beyond defamation, Banks is alleging false light, breach of contract, and misuse of her image in promotional materials. She’s seeking damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, and business losses, and has requested a jury trial.

The three-part documentary launched in February 2026 and sparked significant conversation about the reality show’s controversial legacy, featuring interviews with former contestants, judges, and Banks. It reignited debates over how the show treated contestants and its controversial production practices.

Neither Netflix nor Banks’ representatives have publicly responded to the lawsuit.