Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix, claiming that the documentary about “America’s Next Top Model” manipulated her interview.

LOS ANGELES — Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix. Banks took legal action on Saturday and further claimed the company edited her interview in a misleading way.

The lawsuit focuses on the documentary “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.” The three-part series revisits the hit reality show. It highlights both its success and its controversies.

A supermodel in the 1990s, Banks created and hosted America’s Next Top Model. She agreed to appear in the documentary. The supermodel says she wanted to support an honest discussion. However, she now argues that the final product distorted her words.

Editing and context at the center

Banks says her interview lasted more than three hours. However, the documentary used only about 16 minutes.

She claims producers removed key context. Then they rearranged her answers. As a result, her statements appeared to say something else. 

“The false narrative… is a complete fabrication,” the lawsuit states.

According to the filing, the edit made it seem like Banks knew about an alleged assault during filming. The claim involves former contestant Shandi Sullivan.

Banks strongly denies the allegation. She says she had no prior knowledge of the allegation. She also says producers never told her about it during filming.

Because of this, she argues the documentary misled viewers. She says it created a damaging and false impression.

Documentary revisits major controversies

The documentary examines several past issues linked to the show. It includes both praise and criticism.

For example, it features claims of exploitation. Some contestants say they felt pressured to change their appearance. Others describe controversial challenges, including the use of blackface.

In addition, one contestant claims she was assaulted during production.

Banks says she respects those who shared their stories. She acknowledges the courage it takes to speak out.

At the same time, she argues the documentary failed to present her perspective fairly. She says important context was left out.

Netflix declines to comment

Netflix has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The company declined to comment when asked.

Meanwhile, Banks continues to push her case. She says she wanted a “candid conversation” about the show’s legacy. That includes both its successes and its flaws.

However, she believes the final version did not reflect that goal.

Legal and industry impact

As the case moves forward, legal experts will likely examine how the footage was used. They will also review whether the edits changed the meaning of Banks’ statements.

For now, Banks is focused on clearing her name. She argues the documentary went too far.

She says the issue is not just criticism. Instead, the supermodel claims it is defamation.