Tyra Banks Addresses America’s Next Top Model Backlash: ‘Did We Get It Right? Hell No’
The former supermodel reflects on past mistakes and controversial moments from the hit reality show.
March 3, 2025: Tyra Banks is finally addressing the longstanding criticism surrounding America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). During a recent speech, the supermodel and TV host openly admitted to the show’s missteps, acknowledging that some of her past comments and decisions didn’t age well.
Owning Up to the Controversy
While ANTM was a groundbreaking reality competition that launched in 2003, it has faced heavy backlash in recent years. Fans and former contestants have criticized the show for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, harsh critiques, and problematic challenges that, in hindsight, seemed insensitive or damaging.
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Banks, 50, tackled these concerns head-on in her speech, saying:
“Did we get it right? Hell no. I said some dumb s—. We messed up.”
Her candid admission came as a surprise to many, as she has remained relatively quiet about the show’s controversies despite resurfaced clips sparking viral debates.
Controversial Moments Resurface
Over the years, fans have called out specific moments from the show, including models being pressured to change their appearances drastically, problematic photoshoots involving racial and cultural appropriation, and judges’ harsh critiques that many now view as toxic.
One of the most infamous moments involved Banks berating contestant Tiffany Richardson in Cycle 4, yelling, “I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!”—a scene that has since been meme’d but also criticized as unnecessarily aggressive.
A Lesson Learned
Despite the backlash, Banks emphasized that her intention was never to harm aspiring models but to prepare them for the harsh realities of the fashion industry. She expressed gratitude for the lessons learned and admitted that today’s industry demands a more inclusive and supportive approach.
“I see things differently now. Growth is a beautiful thing. And I appreciate the conversations that have pushed me to reflect and evolve.”
Moving Forward
Although ANTM ended in 2018, its legacy—both positive and controversial—lives on. Banks remains a prominent figure in entertainment and business, focusing on new projects while continuing to inspire conversations about beauty, diversity, and industry ethics.
Her speech serves as a reminder that even those in positions of influence can acknowledge past mistakes and work toward change.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: IG @essence, tyrabanks