Tyra Banks opens up about viral moments on America’s Next Top Model including race-swapping photoshoot and emotional confrontation with contestant Tiffany Richardson

Years after viewers criticized a now-infamous “race swapping” challenge on America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks, 52, has finally addressed the controversy head-on.

The former supermodel and show creator spoke candidly about the problematic shoot during the new Netflix documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, shedding light on her intentions and her reflections years later.

The Photoshoot That Sparked Outrage

The photoshoot in question aired during season four in 2005.

Contestants were asked to embody various ethnicities, including East Indian, African American, and Inuit, by using makeup and clothing to imitate different cultural appearances.

Some of the scenes involved painting faces darker and dressing in traditional clothing, which many viewers later criticized as promoting racial stereotypes.

Despite the backlash, ANTM revisited a similar race-swap concept in 2007 for cycle nine, raising further concerns about cultural insensitivity.

Tyra Defends Her Intentions—Then Acknowledges the Missteps

In the documentary, Banks explained her mindset at the time: “I didn’t think it was controversial.

I was in my own little bubble in my own little head. This was my way of showing the world that brown and black is beautiful.”

However, she admitted that she now fully understands why the photoshoot caused offense.

“Looking at the show now with the 20:20 lens, it’s an issue and I understand 100 percent why,” she said.

Previously, Banks had told Entertainment Weekly that the original idea aimed to challenge the modeling industry’s preference for lighter skin and straight hair, which were often treated as the standard of beauty.

ANTM’s Place in Reality TV History

America’s Next Top Model first aired in 2003 and ran until 2018, becoming one of the most influential reality competitions of its time.

The show followed aspiring models as they navigated runway challenges, photoshoots, and elimination rounds to win a modeling contract.

Banks not only hosted but also executive produced the series, shaping many aspects of the competition.

Despite its success, the show has long faced scrutiny for multiple controversial moments, from harsh critiques to emotionally charged confrontations.

Reflecting on the ‘Shouting at Tiffany’ Moment

Banks also revisited another viral scene from 2006 when she yelled at contestant Tiffany Richardson, telling her she was “rooting for her.”

Reflecting on the incident in the documentary, Banks admitted she had gone too far.

“I just wanted to change this woman’s life,” she explained.

“I felt like she could have been a supermodel with a capital S.”

She acknowledged that her outburst stemmed from a mix of societal pressures and personal experiences.

“It was probably bigger than her. It was family, friends, society, black girls, all the challenges that we have, so many people saying we’re not good enough,” Banks said.

“That stuff was there in that moment. That’s some black girl stuff that goes real deep inside of me, but I knew I went too far.”

What’s Next?

The documentary, set to release on Netflix on February 16, promises to offer a more in-depth look at the highs and lows of America’s Next Top Model.

Banks’ reflections indicate a broader reckoning with past decisions and controversies, both for her and the show.

Fans can expect more behind-the-scenes stories, insights into the challenges of reality television, and an honest discussion about cultural sensitivity in media.

Summary

Tyra Banks’ Reality Check documentary marks the first time she has directly addressed ANTM’s most controversial moments, including the race-swapping photoshoot and her confrontational behavior toward contestants.

While she once defended the challenge as a statement about beauty diversity, Banks now acknowledges the cultural missteps and reflects on the pressures and complexities of reality television.

The upcoming release offers viewers a chance to see both the creative vision and the consequences of one of reality TV’s most influential shows.