Tyra Banks Sues Netflix Over Documentary on America's Next Top Model

Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the production companies behind the documentary series "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model," accusing them of manipulative editing and a false narrative. The suit also names the Israeli directors Mor Lushi and Daniel Sivan. Banks, who hosted "America's Next Top Model" for more than 20 seasons, says the series distorted her comments from an interview to portray her as knowingly allowing a contestant to experience sexual assault on her show, exploiting that trauma for ratings, and then failing to remember it when asked.

In the filing, Banks says the documentary built a "false and defamatory narrative" through selective editing, deliberate omissions, and "surgical manipulation" of raw footage. She called the portrayal of her a complete fabrication that Netflix distributed to a global audience of millions. Her lawyers say the production intentionally cut out any evidence that she took responsibility or expressed remorse, leaving those moments on the editing room floor.

Banks is seeking a jury trial and punitive damages. She hosted the program for 22 seasons starting in 2003. Netflix has not yet issued a formal response to the lawsuit.

The documentary itself examines the show behind the scenes, drawing on interviews with former contestants and crew members. It presents a critical account of alleged exploitation, mental health harm, and extreme demands placed on young women in the name of ratings, while also questioning Banks's conduct as the show's leader and host.