Nigel Barker claims Tyra Banks ‘didn’t even produce’ new America’s Next Top Model docuseries

Nigel Barker has clarified that Tyra Banks was not involved in the initial creation of Netflix’s new America’s Next Top Model documentary, saying the project began independently of the show’s longtime host and creator.

In an exclusive interview with People, the 53-year-old photographer said Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model originated from conversations led by Miss J Alexander, not Banks.

“What people often don't realize is that this documentary series, the whole thing started out of Miss J Alexander talking about wanting to do a documentary on himself and his life and Top Model. And he invited Jay [Manuel] and me to be a part of it,” Barker said. “That's actually how it started. Tyra and everything else had nothing to do with it.”

According to Barker, early discussions about filming took place months before Netflix became attached to the project. He said speculation quickly spread that Banks had produced the series, but he insists that is inaccurate.

“Tyra didn't even produce anything,” he said, adding that producers allegedly asked him for help reaching her. “They were contacting me, texting me, ‘Do you know any way to get through to Tyra? We'd like to get her on the show.’ So she had nothing to do with any of it.”

Barker emphasized that while Tyra Banks does appear in the three-episode docuseries, her involvement came later in the process.

“It was not her idea, nor was she a producer, and [she] came on really towards the end, not at the beginning when we were talking about this,” he said. “There's a lot of misinformation out there, as there always is with these things.”

Several former models featured in the documentary have also said they were unaware Banks would participate until the first trailer was released. Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Released on Feb. 16, the series revisits the legacy of America's Next Top Model, which faced criticism in recent years over controversial photo shoots and allegations involving contestant treatment, body image pressures and inappropriate conduct.

The documentary includes commentary from Banks and other former insiders, who reflect on both the show’s cultural impact and its most contentious moments.

Barker admitted that watching the finished series left him stunned.

“When I watched it, I was taken aback by a lot of what I heard,” he said, recalling a conversation with Jay Manuel after viewing the episodes. “I didn’t even know half of what you even said on the show and on how it affected you. I wish you had told me because I would’ve been there more for you.”

He described the project as a mix of celebration and reckoning.

“There’s joyous moments, crazy moments and … a lot of real eye-opening moments,” Barker said. “There’s some real tragedy about things that happened that shouldn’t have happened and wouldn’t happen today probably. And if they did, it would be really bad.”