Tyra Banks is no stranger to the spotlight, but the iconic supermodel and television mogul is now stepping into a different kind of limelight—one that involves defending the legacy of her groundbreaking reality show, America’s Next Top Model (ANTM).
While accepting the inaugural Luminary Spotlight honor at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards on February 27, Banks, 51, addressed the show’s early push for diversity and its cultural impact, even as criticism about its behind-the-scenes toxicity continues to circulate online.
“Over 20 years ago, I created a television show called America’s Next Top Model,” Banks began, reflecting on the show’s inception in 2003.
“You have no idea how hard we fought to bring diversity to that television show at a time when it didn’t exist. We showcased different kinds of beauty when the world was asking, ‘What? You’re casting that?’
People in the fashion industry would say, ‘You’re putting girls from the hood on your show?’ And I’d say, ‘Why can a girl from the trailer park become a supermodel, but a girl chilling in the park in the hood can’t?’ We fought, we struggled, and we made it happen.”
Banks acknowledged that the show wasn’t perfect. “Did we get it right? Hell no. I said some dumb stuff,” she admitted.
“But I refuse to let my legacy be defined by a few clips strung together on the internet when there were 24 cycles of changing the world. We all evolve. We all get better together. And I’m so proud that I, and so many of us, opened doors for others to follow.”
The supermodel, who hosted ANTM for nearly all of its 24 cycles until its conclusion in 2018, also touched on the show’s role in challenging beauty standards, particularly for plus-size models.
“Now, my 51-year-old self—with dimples, cellulite, a bigger tummy, and 10 million times bigger titties—is walking through that door I helped open,” she declared, earning thunderous applause. “And I’m saying, ‘Baby, it’s just the beginning.’”
Banks’ speech comes as resurfaced clips from ANTM have sparked renewed criticism on social media. In 2020, controversial moments from the show began circulating on platforms like TikTok, prompting backlash against Banks and the show’s creative team.
One widely shared clip featured Banks criticizing cycle 6 winner Dani Evans for refusing to close the gap in her teeth, questioning whether she could land a CoverGirl contract with such a distinctive feature.
Evans, now 39, stood her ground, replying, “Yes, why not?” but ultimately had her gap partially closed during the competition.
Other controversial moments included a cycle 13 photo shoot where contestants had their skin darkened for a “biracial-themed” shoot, and a cycle 4 challenge where contestant Kahlen Rondot was asked to pose in a coffin in a graveyard just one day after her friend’s death.
Banks has since acknowledged these missteps, posting on X (formerly Twitter) in May 2020, “I’ve seen the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments, and I agree with you.
Looking back, those were some off choices. I appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.”
Former contestants have also weighed in on their experiences. Molly O’Connell, a runner-up from cycle 16 and current star of Southern Charm, described the show as “a bit of psychological torture” during a January 2025 interview on The Viall Files podcast.
O’Connell, 37, alleged that production would intentionally heighten contestants’ emotions by conducting late-night interviews and withholding food. “I would get low blood sugar attacks, and they’d dangle a sandwich in front of me, saying, ‘Just a few more questions, Molly, and then we’ll feed you,’” she recalled. “It was so toxic.”
O’Connell also criticized the show’s portrayal of body image, noting that contestants labeled as “plus-size” were often smaller than she is now. Despite the challenges, she admitted that the experience was ultimately rewarding.
“It was very fun, and I had a lot of amazing experiences that helped my career,” she said. “I would still do it again. It wasn’t so horrible that I wouldn’t relive it.”
While ANTM has faced its share of criticism, its impact on the fashion and entertainment industries is undeniable.
The show broke barriers by celebrating diverse beauty and providing a platform for aspiring models who might otherwise have been overlooked.
Tyra Banks’ unwavering defense of its legacy underscores her belief in its transformative power, even as she acknowledges its flaws.
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