Tyra Banks sues Netflix over ‘ANTM’ docuseries defamation claims

Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the filmmakers behind the docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, alleging her interview footage was manipulated to create a misleading and damaging narrative.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court on June 13, claims Banks participated in a three-and-a-half-hour interview for the documentary but that producers reduced her comments to just 16 minutes. According to the complaint, key portions in which she accepted responsibility for controversial moments from the reality series were omitted.

“The accountability Ms. Banks took ended up on the cutting room floor,” her attorneys stated in the filing. “It was there, but viewers were never given the opportunity to see it.”

Banks Challenges Documentary’s Portrayal

The lawsuit names directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, along with production company EverWonder Studio.

Banks alleges the documentary used “selective editing” and “deliberate omission” to suggest she knowingly ignored or mishandled allegations that a contestant was sexually assaulted during production of America's Next Top Model.

According to the complaint, Banks was never specifically asked about the alleged assault during filming and was unaware the subject would be featured in the documentary. Her legal team argues the final edit made it appear she was intentionally avoiding questions about the incident.

Former Host Seeks Damages and Injunction

Banks is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction preventing the continued use of her image in connection with the documentary’s soundtrack album.

The lawsuit further alleges that she was not given access to the completed series until one day before its release in February and was not contacted for fact-checking or offered an opportunity to respond to accusations made by other participants.

Her attorneys claim efforts to obtain the full interview footage after the documentary's release were rejected by Netflix and EverWonder.

‘America’s Next Top Model’ Faces Continued Scrutiny

First airing in 2003, America’s Next Top Model ran for 24 seasons and became one of the most successful reality competition franchises of its era. In recent years, however, the show has faced renewed criticism over allegations of body shaming, contestant treatment and controversial challenges.

Banks has previously acknowledged criticism of the series, admitting there were “some really off choices” and expressing regret over certain moments from the programme.

According to the lawsuit, public reaction to the documentary has significantly affected Banks’ reputation, with her Sydney-based ice cream business, SMiZE + DREAM, reportedly targeted by negative online reviews following the series’ release.

Legal Battle Centers on Editing and Fair Representation

Banks’ legal team argues the case is ultimately about whether documentary filmmakers can selectively edit interviews in a way that fundamentally changes their meaning.

“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,” the lawsuit states.

The defendants had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.