Tyra Banks says she’d change ‘so many things’ about America’s Next Top Model

Tyra Banks says there’s things she regrets about her long-running reality show competition, America’s Next Top Model (ANTM).

Banks was questioned about the show in a recent interview because of its toxic environment and how it handled the young models. She explained why it was difficult to have perspective in the moment while admitting that she certainly has regrets about ANTM.

“There’s so many things that we would change”, Banks says. “But at the time, you’re operating with the information that you have, on a show that is hugely popular. So we’re all experiencing this together”.

Alluding to the public outcry that arose from resurfaced clips during the pandemic, Banks told Essence Magazine: “There were things on Top Model that we did, and I’m like, ‘ I shouldn’t have done that. ‘ Y’all let me know that was whack. I’d apologize if I mentioned it on the talk show. Or I wrote a book, and in it, I talked about it: ‘ Oh, I said this on Top Model, ‘ and ‘ I shouldn’t have done this, even though it would have hurt their career. ‘”

Banks did point out that she was battling industry pressures with ANTM, but she did so without saying. She said: “Sometimes history can be a little bit revised, and people don’t understand that there’s a timeline when it comes to change”.

The model continued, “Oh, you got these girls from the ‘hood on your show.”’ She further explained some of the difficulties she encountered from the modeling industry. Like, all of that. You have no idea”.

Banks apologized for her crude words and actions on the show in 2020 amid ANTM outcry. Banks addressed this to X, saying, “I see the insensitivity of some ANTM posts, and I think you’re right. Looking back, those were some really off choices. I appreciate your sincere criticism, and I’m extending my love and virtual hugs.

The show’s highlights include supermodel Tyra yelling at a contestant for not removing the natural gap between her teeth and forpromoting a blackface photo shoot, and forcing a model to sass in a coffin after her friend passed away days earlier.

Source: Mirror