Tyra Banks defamation lawsuit against Netflix

Tyra Banks filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Netflix and EverWonder Studio regarding the 2026 documentary series ‘Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.’ Banks alleges that the production used selective editing and deliberate omissions to create a false narrative about her conduct. She claims that out of a three-and-a-half-hour interview, only 16 minutes were included in the final cut.

Banks is seeking to compel the release of unedited footage from her own interview and those of former colleagues Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander, and Nigel Barker. She is also requesting internal communications, draft scripts, and viewership data to support claims of breach of contract and false light.

Netflix has moved to dismiss the case, arguing that Banks signed an agreement granting producers broad editorial rights without the right to review or approve the final product. The streaming company has also filed an anti-SLAPP motion, maintaining that the filmmakers’ decisions constituted ordinary editorial processes.

In a recent development, Banks’ legal team submitted video evidence featuring side-by-side comparisons to argue that documentary editing altered the meaning of her statements. One comparison concerns a conversation regarding former contestant Shandi Sullivan and an alleged sexual assault. Attorneys argue the documentary cut away after Banks said ‘Um,’ creating the impression she could not recall the incident, whereas original footage allegedly shows her nodding and stating, ‘Um … I do remember her story.’

A second comparison involves a 2004 conversation where Banks alleges producers rearranged footage to make it appear she prompted Sullivan to discuss cheating. Banks maintains the original footage shows Sullivan asking the questions. Netflix has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the filmmakers presented Banks’ perspective fairly. A hearing regarding Netflix’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for October 30.