Tyra Banks sues Netflix over ‘America’s Next Top Model’ docuseries

Tyra Banks has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging that its docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model presented a misleading and defamatory narrative about her involvement in the long-running reality competition America’s Next Top Model.

According to legal documents obtained by USA Today, Banks claims she was interviewed for around 3.5 hours under the understanding that the project would examine the legacy of the series she created in 2003, including both its successes and criticisms.

The lawsuit states that only around 16 minutes of that interview were ultimately used in the final edit, with what Banks describes as key context and statements of accountability omitted.

The filing alleges that through “selective editing, deliberate omission and surgical manipulation of continuous footage,” the filmmakers constructed a narrative suggesting Banks knowingly allowed a contestant to be sexually assaulted on the show and exploited the incident for ratings.

Banks’ legal team argues this interpretation is false and that it was created through editing choices rather than her actual testimony.

The lawsuit also references comments made in the series regarding contestant Shandi Sullivan, who has previously alleged she was sexually assaulted during a filming trip in Milan.

In the docuseries, Banks is shown responding briefly when asked about Sullivan, with the scene cutting away after a partial reaction.

The complaint argues that additional footage shows Banks acknowledging the situation and stating, “I do remember her story,” which was not included in the final version aired on Netflix.

Banks is also challenging the portrayal of her reaction to those allegations, claiming the edit implies she could not recall the incident, which her legal filing describes as misleading.

The lawsuit names Netflix, production entities, and the documentary directors, and seeks damages to be determined by a jury.