America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), created and hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, first aired in 2003 on UPN and became a groundbreaking reality competition series. It followed groups of aspiring models from diverse backgrounds as they lived together, faced high-stakes photo shoots, runway challenges, and panel critiques from industry experts. The show aimed to discover the next big face in fashion while pushing boundaries on beauty standards, inclusivity, and personal growth.
Over 24 cycles until its finale in 2018, ANTM launched careers for winners like Adrianne Curry and Eva Marcille, but it also sparked debates about its intense pressure and handling of sensitive topics. Viewers can watch all episodes of America’s Next Top Model through streaming services which include Hulu and Netflix while Disney+ provides access to some seasons and Pluto TV offers free viewing of specific episodes. The upcoming Netflix documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model which Tyra Banks will present shows her explanation of the most famous scenes from the series.
The interview contains her analysis of crucial events which include contestant eliminations that received public notice because of their intense emotional impact and their perceived severity. Banks finally reveals show secrets to the public at this moment which marks a major turning point because he has faced public pressure for many years.
America’s Next Top Model: Tiffany Richardson’s Elimination in Cycle 4
In the fourth cycle of America’s Next Top Model, which was held in 2005, the model from Miami, Florida, Tiffany Richardson, had an experience that has remained the most talked-about moment on the show. Richardson had previously appeared on the show in the third cycle but was disqualified following a physical altercation with other models. The show offered her anger management therapy to help her reappear on the fourth cycle. She passed through several rounds but found it difficult to read the names of designers from a teleprompter, leading to feelings of defeat.
At elimination, Tyra Banks voiced a level of disappointment, raising her voice and saying, “I have never in my life yelled at a girl like this! When my mother yells like this, it’s because she loves me. I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!” Tyra later revealed, as part of a Netflix docuseries, that she saw Richardson giving up not only on the competition but also on a personal level. Tyra admitted that there were a lot of frustrations, not only with Richardson, but also with what was happening in society, as a black woman, and admitted that she went too far.
Co-judge Nigel Barker commented, “It was a shocker for everyone, and Jay Manuel, our creative director, said it was the most difficult argument he ever witnessed, and there were even additional comments made by Tyra that were cut out.” Richardson, who did not participate in the docuseries, revealed in 2017 that the argument was even worse than what was televised.
Ambreal Williams’ departure America’s Next Top Model cycle 9
Cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model, which aired in 2007, featured contestant Ambreal Williams from Dallas, Texas, whose elimination included a subtle act of defiance that later gained attention. The judges evaluated Williams progress throughout the competition but they maintained their criticism of her “dead” eyes together with her “hoochie” style which Tyra Banks described during a music video shooting challenge.
Williams used her hands to leave the stage after judging when she explained to the audience that the gesture signified “f— you” through a contestant code which she used to communicate with the production team, especially Banks. She explained that the cast had discussed it beforehand, anticipating potential eliminations, and used it to express frustration without direct confrontation. Williams identified judges’ remarks as targeting her because they occurred after she had experienced a brief relief from the bottom-two position.
Banks has not directly commented on this specific incident in recent reflections but it ties into broader discussions of the show’s intense atmosphere and power dynamics. The media coverage of the moment returned because America’s Next Top Model’s contestant treatment remained under investigation which revealed how elimination processes made participants feel unappreciated and incorrectly portrayed.
Angelea Preston’s disqualification in cycle 17
The All-Stars season of America’s Next Top Model which aired in 2011, marks the 17th cycle of the show. Angelea Preston from Buffalo, New York who appeared as a contestant on the show experienced one of its most unusual exits. Preston who had competed in Cycles 12 and 14 won the All-Stars cycle through a finale that took place in Greece. The competition rules prohibited her from participating because of her previous work as an escort which caused her disqualification. The production team filmed a new version of the finale to declare Lisa D’Amato as the winner.
Preston took legal action against the show in 2014, citing a breach of contract, as she claimed she made it clear about her past during the casting process. The lawsuit was settled out of court. Tyra Banks, however, has made some general statements about controversies surrounding America’s Next Top Model in recent years but hasn’t made any specific statements about Preston’s disqualification in the new docuseries or any public statements. The incident is still a major point of discussion about how contestants’ personal backgrounds were not transparent during production, leading to eliminations.
Broader reflections on America’s Next Top Model’s legacy
Tyra Banks has also made more general comments on the controversies surrounding America’s Next Top Model, moving away from the individual eliminations and discussing the intent and failings of the show. During an awards ceremony speech in 2025, Tyra Banks said, “Did we get it right? Hell no. I said some dumb s—,” while also discussing the show’s positive contributions to the cause of diversity, especially in the first 24 seasons. She noted the early struggles the show had in trying to incorporate minorities.
The Netflix docuseries shows Banks reflecting on the 2005 and 2009 race-swap photoshoots which featured contestants who changed their looks to show different ethnic identities. At that moment Banks viewed the race-swap photoshoots as non-controversial while present-day social standards make her think differently about the situation. She also apologized to Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans for pressuring her about a tooth gap.
Banks explained that viewer expectations created show intensity which resulted in excessive coverage of racial, beauty, and mental health issues. The admissions happen during a period when the public is reassessing the situation after Jay Manuel and other former staff members reported that on-set staff created a “fear culture” environment. The ANTM show has many imperfections, yet Banks believes it serves as an original program that created new opportunities for others.
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Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.
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