Former 'America’s Next Top Model' stars react to Netflix ‘Reality Check’ docuseries

Alumni share criticism, support and reunions following release of Netflix documentary

Netflix’s docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model has led several former contestants to speak publicly about their experiences on the long-running reality show.

The three-part series revisits the programme, created and hosted by Tyra Banks, which ran for 24 cycles after premiering in 2003. While the series once promised career-defining opportunities, the documentary highlights allegations of emotional strain, manipulation, body shaming, culturally insensitive photo shoots, sexual assault and long-term mental health consequences.

Tiffany Richardson, whose confrontation with Banks during Cycle 4 became one of the show’s most widely circulated moments, wrote online, “YOU WAS A BULLY!!! You treated me like s**t and said the nastiest things about me and my son. That is not how the argument went but YA’LL EDITED TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU CARED!”

Photo: Instagram

Lisa D’Amato posted, “Watched the Netflix docuseries on ANTM and I still think it is sugar coated. It was wayyyyyy worse for so so many of us,” adding, “We will have the last word.”

 

 

 

 

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Shandi Sullivan reflected on her portrayal, writing, “Welp, the documentary is out, and now you know more of my story… Because I mattered and I still do!”https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdreammeowcorner%2Fposts%2F10163771512344127&display=popup&ref=embed_post&src=post

In a show of solidarity, former contestants Allison Harvard, Fo Porter and Isis King shared a reunion photograph on Instagram with the caption, “REALITY CHECK MOVIE NIGHT with my favs.”

 

 

 

 

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Photographer and former judge Nigel Barker voiced support for Sullivan, stating the show “could and should have done much better.”

Meanwhile Adrianne Curry, the first ANTM winner, said, “I have mad respect for Tyra Banks. She is not sorry. She is not apologizing.”

 

 

 

 

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Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is currently streaming on Netflix.