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

Tyra Banks, the longtime host of America’s Next Top Model, filed a defamation lawsuit on Saturday against Netflix and the production companies behind the documentary series Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. The suit also names Israeli directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan. Banks says the documentary distorted her words to support what she calls a false and defamatory narrative.

According to the complaint, the series used selective editing, deliberate omissions and manipulation of raw footage to imply that Banks knowingly allowed a contestant to be sexually assaulted on her show, exploited the contestant’s trauma for ratings, and then could not remember the incident when questioned later. Banks called that portrayal “a complete fabrication” that Netflix distributed to a global audience of millions.

Her lawyers say the filmmakers intentionally cut out any evidence showing her taking responsibility or expressing remorse, leaving those moments on the cutting-room floor. Banks, who hosted the show for 22 seasons starting in 2003, is asking for a jury trial and punitive damages.

Netflix has not yet issued an official response to the lawsuit. The documentary itself examines the reality franchise from behind the scenes through interviews with former contestants and staff, and argues that the show exploited young women, damaged their mental health and imposed extreme demands in the name of ratings. It also presents a critical reassessment of Banks’ conduct as host and producer, accusing her of insensitivity and of ignoring serious incidents that occurred under her watch.