Eva Marcille calls America’s Next Top Model judges “guardians” of industry amid Netflix doc debate

Eva Marcille says ANTM judges were “guardians” of contestants’ careers amid Netflix doc 'Reality Check'

Eva Marcille has described the judging panel on her season of America’s Next Top Model as “guardians”, as renewed discussion surrounds the series following Netflix’s documentary Reality Check.

Marcille, 41, who won cycle 3 of the modelling competition in 2004 under her maiden name Eva Pigford, spoke at a February 19 book signing for The Wig, the Bitch and the Meltdown by former ANTM creative director Jay Manuel. Reflecting on her experience, she said the judges “inspired” her and others on her season.

The panel during her cycle included host Tyra Banks, photographer Nigel Barker, runway coach Miss J Alexander and Manuel. Marcille credited Manuel with teaching her and “a lot of the girls” about “diligence” and “hard work.”

“Not just work,” she added, “but work beyond work. Excellence beyond the bar,” which she said was what she needed “in this business.” Praising Manuel and Miss J, she said to him, “If J Alexander is the spine, then you are the heart.”

The comments come as Reality Check revisits controversial moments from the show’s history. Appearing on CBS Mornings after the documentary’s February 16 premiere, Marcille said she was “gobsmacked” while watching it.

“I was in awe. ... my mouth was wide open. To be a part of a club and not know what’s going on in the club is crazy,” she said. She also stated that she was not contacted to participate in the series. “They didn’t ask me,” she said. “It was very surprising.”

Addressing Tyra Banks’ past apologies, Marcille said, “She apologised a million times,” but added that for some former contestants, “there is no sorry, I think, that’s big enough to truly feel and heal that kind of hurt.”