Tyra Banks Accused Of 'Gaslighting' After Claiming 'ANTM' Viewers 'Demanded' Problematic Stunts

Tyra Banks is no stranger to being on top, shattering industry norms, and cementing herself as an iconic figure in popular culture. In 2003, Banks merged her love of modeling and television, creating the hit competition series "America's Next Top Model," which saw aspiring models living together in a house while competing in intense challenges that have since drawn much scrutiny and criticism.

In the new Netflix docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model," Tyra Banks, former judges Jay Manuel, J. Alexander, and Nigel Barker, and former contestants and winners sit down for an explosive interview reflecting on the show's "complicated history."

Banks, 52, is the center of the upcoming Netflix docuseries and appears to be addressing some of the hard-hitting questions about the show and its problematic and troubled history.

"I knew I went too far. It was very, very intense, but you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing it, more and more and more," Banks said in a clip of the series shared online.

For "ANTM" loyalists, the trailer will bring back intense feelings, as flashbacks from some of the series' most shocking moments are laced throughout the nearly two-minute clip, reminding some viewers exactly why they were outraged to begin with.

According to a press release from Netflix, "America's Next Top Model" was created by Banks, Ken Mok, and Kenya Barris. The series ran for 24 seasons from 2003 to 2016 and, during its heyday, drew over 100 million viewers.

Individuals began questioning "ANTM's" place in pop culture history during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, referencing the production's "drastic haircuts and invasive dental surgeries." The series also received criticism over the judges' cruel critiques of contestants' bodies.

Directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, known for their work on Netflix's "American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden," the new series will feature exclusive interviews with Banks, Mok, former judges, and contestants, including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill.

The teaser for the upcoming "Reality Check" docuseries has sent a wave of excitement across social media, with many users taking to different platforms to express their enthusiasm about Banks' participation in the project.

Other users wrote about how eager they were to hear Banks address some of the show's most controversial moments.

Others, however, voiced their frustration with how Banks appeared in the teaser, noting her statement that she went "too far" because "you guys were demanding it."

"Not the gaslighting..." someone wrote, while another questioned, "Wonder if she'll take accountability for anything?"

"D-mn, she just say it was our fault," someone posted before another said the Smize & Dream owner "hates taking accountability for her actions."

"ANTM didn’t age well, but it was good in the moment. I will be seated for this," someone else shared.

The comments were much the same under another post promoting the new series.

"If she's involved, the truth is not gonna be told," someone wrote. "Hmmm, lol," another posted.

"I know she ain't blaming us," someone else wrote.

"Don’t know who is more delulu, Tyra or JLo. The real Teflon Queens!" said another user.

Social media users aren't the only ones torching Banks online, according to a previous report from The Blast.

Eugena Washington, a former "ANTM" contestant, slammed Banks in a TikTok video, admitting she enjoyed seeing the "Life Size" actress struggle after Banks began facing criticism for her role on the competition show.

"Can I be honest? As an ANTM alum, I enjoy watching this flop era of Tyra," she said. "I enjoy watching her flop. I enjoy watching her business not do well. I enjoy it being a f-ck show."

Banks, for her part, has responded to claims from former contestants and to public criticism during previous appearances. In March 2025, she addressed the condemnation head-on, saying she didn't always get it right, but she did what she needed to make space for women who wouldn't have normally been given a chance.

"... I refuse to have my legacy be about some stuff linked together on the internet when there were 24 [seasons] of changing the world," she said. "We all evolve. We all get better together. And I am so excited that I, and so many of us, have opened that door for others to follow."