Netflix fights Tyra Banks' defamation suit on ANTM doc

Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the directors of a documentary series about 'America's Next Top Model.' Banks alleges the series, "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model," falsely depicted her as insensitive to a contestant who reported a sexual assault.

Netflix responded by filing a motion to dismiss the suit, contending that Banks' grievances arise from standard editorial choices. Their lawyers argued that Banks, having produced 24 seasons of ANTM, is familiar with such decisions. The company stated that the documentary merely applied an editorial lens to the show and Banks herself.

Banks specifically points to an edited interview segment where she appears to struggle to recall a contestant's sexual assault allegation. She claims her full answer, affirming her memory, was omitted to create a cliffhanger. Netflix countered that her affirmative response was featured at the start of the subsequent episode, negating the implication of forgetfulness. The company also noted Banks signed a waiver relinquishing creative control.

The three-episode docuseries, released in February, critically examined "America's Next Top Model," which aired from 2003 to 2018. Netflix stated they stand by the directors and the series, asserting that Banks was given ample opportunity to share her perspective fairly.