Former supermodel and television mogul Tyra Banks has filed a major federal lawsuit against Netflix and the producers behind the controversial docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, accusing them of defamation and deliberately manipulating interview footage to damage her reputation.
Banks filed the lawsuit on June 13, 2026, targeting not only Netflix but also production companies EverWonder Studio and Wise Child Studio, along with documentary co-directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy.
Banks’ claim that filmmakers intentionally distorted a lengthy interview she participated in for the project, selectively editing her words to create what her legal team describes as a false and highly damaging narrative about her treatment of contestants during the long-running reality competition show America’s Next Top Model.
According to court filings, Banks agreed to participate in a three-and-a-half-hour interview in which she openly reflected on the legacy of America’s Next Top Model and addressed criticism the show has faced over the years.
However, the lawsuit alleges producers drastically cut down that interview, ultimately including just 16 minutes of footage in the final three-part documentary series.
Banks argues that editors deliberately removed portions of the interview where she accepted responsibility for controversial moments that happened during the show’s run.
The complaint states that filmmakers left out all moments where Banks openly acknowledged mistakes and reflected on decisions she now regrets, creating an edited portrayal that suggested she refused to take accountability.
The lawsuit describes the editing process as “selective editing” and “surgical manipulation” designed to fundamentally alter the meaning of her responses.
The fallout, according to court filings, has already caused significant reputational and business damage.
Banks alleges that public reaction to the documentary quickly spilled over into attacks on her Sydney-based ice cream company, SMiZE & DREAM.
Following the release of the series, online users reportedly launched coordinated review bombing campaigns against the business, causing Google ratings for the company to sharply decline.
The lawsuit argues that the documentary directly triggered these attacks by presenting Banks in a false and defamatory light.
In addition to defamation, Banks is also pursuing claims of false light, breach of contract, and false endorsement.
She is demanding punitive damages and has requested a jury trial.
The lawsuit broadens responsibility beyond Netflix itself, naming every major company and filmmaker involved in the production process.
Among the defendants is EverWonder Studio, which Banks says played a central role in developing and financing the project.
The complaint notes that EverWonder previously denied requests from Banks’ legal team to review unedited footage of her interview earlier this year.
Wise Child Studio, another production company involved in the project, is also named in the filing.
Banks additionally singled out documentary co-directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, accusing both filmmakers of intentionally shaping a misleading portrayal through deceptive editing practices.
The complaint alleges both directors knowingly removed context from Banks’ statements while preserving footage designed to maximize controversy and public outrage.
