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Tyra Banks Faces Legacy in New Doc
18 Feb
Summary
- New documentary critically examines ANTM's controversial history.
- Tyra Banks acknowledges regrets but defends show's intentions.
- Contestant stories reveal devastating impacts and exploitation.

A new documentary, 'Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model,' revisits the influential reality series, examining its complex legacy and Tyra Banks' pivotal role. The film delves into the show's controversial history, featuring interviews with cast, crew, and Banks herself. Banks, an executive producer, acknowledges some regrets and accepts partial responsibility for the show's problematic aspects.
The documentary highlights instances of exploitation, such as forced dental work and photoshoots reenacting past traumas. It recounts distressing moments for contestants, including Cycle 4's Tiffany's infamous rant and Keenyah being called fat. The film also exposes darker disclosures, like Cycle 2's Shandi feeling unable to consent during a filmed sexual encounter, leading to public shaming.
While Banks participates in this reassessment, her ownership of ANTM positions her as central to its narrative. The documentary presents her as an "evil genius" who aimed to legitimize modeling careers but whose methods were flawed. Despite the criticisms, Banks uses the platform to reframe the show's beginnings, drawing from her own experiences in the modeling industry.




