Tyra Banks Takes Legal Action Over Netflix Documentary,

Supermodel and television personality Tyra Banks has launched a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the creators of a documentary examining the controversial legacy of the hit reality show America’s Next Top Model.

Court documents filed on Saturday reveal that Banks is accusing the streaming giant and the filmmakers behind Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model of presenting a misleading portrayal of her through selective editing and the omission of key details from interviews she participated in for the project.

According to the lawsuit, Banks believes the documentary failed to accurately reflect her comments and unfairly portrayed her in a negative light, causing damage to her personal and professional reputation.

The legal complaint names Netflix, documentary directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, as well as production companies EverWonder Studio and 89 Blocks Holdings as defendants in the case.

Banks is seeking financial compensation and has requested a jury trial. Her claims include defamation, false light, breach of contract and false endorsement.

At the time of publication, neither Netflix nor the documentary’s producers had publicly commented on the legal proceedings.

The lawsuit centres on Banks’ participation in an extensive interview for the documentary, during which she reportedly addressed criticism aimed at America’s Next Top Model. She says she openly discussed aspects of the long-running reality series that she now views differently and reflected on moments she would approach in another way today.

However, Banks alleges that much of the context surrounding those discussions was removed from the final cut, resulting in a distorted representation of her views.

Among the specific issues raised is the documentary’s treatment of former contestant Shandi Sullivan and a memorable incident that occurred during the show’s second season while filming in Milan, Italy.

According to the lawsuit, the documentary suggests that Banks was unable to remember Sullivan’s experience when questioned about it. Banks disputes that portrayal, claiming that the complete interview footage shows she clearly recalled the incident, but that those remarks were excluded from the finished programme.

The former talk-show host also argues that the documentary ignored important background information, including periods when she lived in Australia and her continued communication with individuals featured in the programme through text messages, voice notes and video exchanges.

Another point of contention involves comments made by former America’s Next Top Model judge Miss J Alexander. In the documentary, Alexander reportedly stated that Banks did not visit him after he suffered a stroke in 2022.

Banks challenges that claim in her lawsuit, arguing that the documentary failed to present a complete picture of their relationship and interactions.

The legal battle adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding America’s Next Top Model, a show that has faced increased scrutiny in recent years. Former contestants and viewers have revisited some of the programme’s challenges, storylines and judging decisions, prompting broader discussions about reality television standards and accountability.

With the lawsuit now underway, attention is likely to turn to how the courts assess Banks’ claims and whether the documentary’s portrayal crossed the line from critical examination into defamation.