Exposed: The Controversy Behind America’s Next Top Model

Shaping a generation of aspiring models and young viewers, “America’s Next Top Model” was a unique reality competition that merged high-fashion culture with high-stakes challenges. The reality show gave viewers a rare insight into how the modeling world operated. However, decades later, it seems reactions to the show have shifted. Coined the “2020 lens,” many are rewatching the series and observing how society has evolved since the show’s premiere. This has brought into question whether its production was ethical. Most recently, Netflix released a documentary series titled “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” exposing allegations of exploitation and bullying on set and giving a voice to contestants who felt silenced during filming. 

The Beginnings of America’s Next Top Model

Created by Tyra Banks, “America’s Next Model” debuted in 2003 and featured models competing in various modeling challenges to win a cash prize and a modeling contract. The show instantly became a hit, running for over 24 seasons. 

When reflecting on the development process, Banks explained how she was eager to create a combination of “American Idol” and “The Real World,” set in the modeling industry. She partnered with runway coach J. Alexander and makeup artist Jay Manuel. After being rejected by ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, the show was finally picked up by UPN, now known as the CW. 

After the finale of the first season, ratings statistics revealed that “America’s Next Top Model” scored the network’s strongest ratings during the 9 p.m. Tuesday time slot in more than six years.

Toxic Beauty Standards

Throughout the show, contestants often had to undergo makeovers, encouraging them to conform to certain beauty standards. During cycle six, model Joanie Dodds was asked to surgically remove several teeth and replace them with implants. Similarly, contestant Danielle Evans was told that the gap between her two front teeth was not “marketable” and was asked to have it surgically closed. The models opposed this on camera but ultimately felt pressured to agree to the surgery, or else they would be eliminated from the show. 

Contestants were also subject to “weigh-ins” on camera to make sure they were within the weight requirement. Pressures to maintain a certain size escalated further when model Keenyah Hill was confronted about her eating habits on the show. During a photoshoot representing the seven deadly sins, Hill was chosen to portray “gluttony” and was forced to pose with food scraps and donuts. Models Whitney Thompson and Bre Scullark have since revealed that eating disorders ran rampant on set, with many contestants skipping meals before photoshoot challenges. Other contestants alleged that models fainted on set every week. 

Race-Swapping Photoshoot

Another major controversy on “America’s Next Top Model” was the “race-swapping” photoshoot, which occurred during Season 4. This modeling challenge required contestants to change their skin color using makeup and pose as different ethnicities. 

Manuel has since claimed that he felt uncomfortable with the shoot but did not have creative control over the challenge. This was due to the rising popularity of the show, which led to increased creative control from sponsors.

Tyra admitted in the series that she didn’t think it was controversial at the time.

 “I was in my own little bubble, in my own little head, that this was my way of showing the world that brown and Black is beautiful. And thinking about it now… I understand 100 percent why it was an issue.” – Tyra Banks 

Crime Victims Photoshoot

During Season 8, the models were posed to look like crime victims. Model Dionne Walters, whose mother was paralyzed from gun violence, was posed as a girl who had been shot. Walters explained how she believes producers were trying to instigate a mental breakdown, but she did not give in. Producers have since said that this creative choice was a mistake. 

“Ultimately, my job should have been creating a safer space, and I should have pushed back on certain things a lot harder than I did. I wish that I could have done in general was draw better boundaries.”- Jay Alexander 

However, Banks has not taken accountability for any role she played in making contestants uncomfortable. She has even blamed viewers at one point: 

“You guys were demanding it. And so we kept pushing… more, and more, and more.” – Tyra Banks 

What are your thoughts on the “America’s Next Top Model” drama? Tag us, @VALLEYmag, and let us know! 

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