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Adrianne Curry, the first winner of America’s Next Top Model, has voiced her criticism against the forthcoming Netflix docuseries titled Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. Shortly after the trailer was released, the 43-year-old model took to social media to express her views on her absence from this much-anticipated three-part series.
In a candid post, she remarked, “I think people psychoanalyzing it over 20 years later with a woke lens is absurd.” Her comments highlight the involvement of key figures from the show, including Tyra Banks, Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel, and Miss J. Alexander.
Curry further elaborated on her decision to stay away from the documentary. She mentioned, “I don’t trust people to not manipulate things I say for TV so I decline everything.” This statement reflects her concerns about how her words—and those of her fellow contestants—might be interpreted or edited for the show.
She continued to explain, “Also, the public is cult-like and cruel, so the last thing I want is a bunch of eyeballs on me. I hope the other girls do not have their words twisted in their Netflix show.” Curry’s previous experiences with producers have left her cautious, as she stated, “I’ve simply been burned far too many times by producers to trust any.”
The reactions from fans revealed a mix of support and criticism. One follower noted, “It’s crazy that the Jays are acting like they can NOT believe the things Tyra was doing, but they were involved just the same. It was a different time. Modeling was about pretty, skinny, and photogenic…much like today. Can’t judge 20 years ago by today.”
In response to another comment, Curry declared, “Its a cover-up fest. Let em weave their webs,” further emphasizing her skepticism regarding the documentary’s portrayal of events.
The trailer for Reality Check resonates with the voices of its former contestants and the hosts. In it, Tyra Banks opens up about her desire to “fight against the fashion industry,” indicating that it is finally time to address the past. Banks admitted, “I haven’t really said much. But now it’s time.”
She reflects on the show’s intense moments, saying, “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.” Throughout the trailer, various alarming episodes from the show are highlighted, including body-shaming incidents and a model collapsing on the runway.
Fellow host Nigel Barker adds his perspective, stating, “It was wrong, and for some reason no one seemed to see it… we felt betrayed.” Jay Manuel also shared his insights about Banks’ dedication to the show, claiming she would “do anything for the success of her show.”
This highly anticipated docuseries features interviews with Banks, Barker, Manuel, and Alexander, alongside various contestants. The collective aim is to address the often controversial legacy of a show that has shaped the modeling industry.
During an event at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Banks acknowledged her role in the show’s controversial history. She stated, “Over 20 years ago I created a show called America’s Next Top Model and you guys have no idea how hard we fought to bring diversity to that television show at a time when it didn’t exist.”
In her speech, Banks remarked on the challenges they faced by showcasing a range of beauty. She recalled those who questioned her casting choices, particularly regarding models from underrepresented backgrounds. “I was like, ‘Why can the girl from the trailer park become a supermodel but the girl that’s chillin’ in the park in the hood can’t?’” she shared. Her determination led to a broader representation of beauty standards on television.
However, she admits, “Did we get it right? Hell no. I said some dumb s—.” She expressed concern about how parts of her legacy could be misrepresented online, saying she doesn’t want it to be reduced to unfortunate moments when the show had a much more significant impact over its 24 cycles.
In a recent update, Banks, known for her various ventures including her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream, talked about her life changes. She disclosed that she moved to Australia, where she spends time pursuing business opportunities, particularly those involving her ice cream brand. “I’ve been going to Australia a lot because we were making a lot of our ice cream there in this big facility, doing our recipes,” she explained.
She expressed her affection for her new home, saying, “I just fell in love with it. The three countries that eat the most ice cream: America, New Zealand, and Australia.”
Banks decided to make a permanent move to Australia with her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin, and her son, York Banks Asla, from her previous relationship with Erik Asla.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is set to premiere on February 16 on Netflix, and it is expected to unravel the layers of a groundbreaking yet controversial chapter in reality television. As anticipation builds, both fans and critics await this deep dive into the legacy of a show that transformed the modeling landscape and the lives of many who participated in it.