Tyra Banks takes legal action over ANTM documentary portrayal, ‘What viewers saw was not the truth
Tyra Banks is taking legal action against Netflix, accusing the streaming platform of misrepresenting her in the documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
In a lawsuit filed on June 13, the former supermodel and television host, 51, argues that the series presented an inaccurate and damaging version of her comments, shaped through selective editing rather than full context.
She is seeking a jury trial to determine compensation for damages, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
The filing states that Banks agreed to participate in the project to speak openly about the legacy of America’s Next Top Model, including both its achievements and criticisms.
It notes that she did not place limits on the interview topics and spoke for several hours about the show’s history, including moments she has since reflected on differently.
According to the complaint, only a small portion of her interview was used in the final cut, with roughly 16 minutes selected from a much longer conversation.
Banks claims those clips were rearranged and stripped of surrounding context, resulting in what she describes as a misleading narrative about her role and intent.
Her legal team argues that key parts of her responses, particularly where she accepted responsibility for controversial aspects of the show, were left out.
The suit further claims the edited version suggested she knowingly allowed misconduct on set and later failed to recall it, a portrayal she strongly denies.
The filing also disputes how the project was marketed, pointing to promotional language describing it as a definitive documentary. Banks argues that audiences expect factual storytelling in that format, not constructed interpretations built through selective editing.
She also references comments from individuals involved in the production, including director Mor Loushy, who said Banks was given space to share her perspective and spoke honestly on camera.
Another director, Kay Wicker, reportedly said the documentary would have moved forward regardless of Banks’ involvement.
Banks maintains that while she did speak candidly during filming, the final version presented to viewers did not reflect the full scope or tone of her answers.
America’s Next Top Model, which first aired in 2003 after Banks developed the concept with producer Ken Mok, ran for 22 cycles and became one of the most recognizable reality competition shows of its era.
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