Tyra Banks Sues Netflix Over 'America's Next Top Model' Documentary Editing

Tyra Banks has initiated legal action against Netflix, Everwonder Studio, and directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, claiming deceptive editing of her interview for the documentary "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model."

The 65-page lawsuit, filed on Saturday, accuses the streaming service of falsely portraying Banks in the three-part docuseries, which was released in February. The documentary charted the rise and cultural impact of "America's Next Top Model" and featured interviews with Banks, former collaborators, and at least 10 contestants.

Banks' attorneys assert that out of a three-and-a-half-hour interview, only about sixteen minutes were used. They claim producers cut out parts where Banks took responsibility for some of the show's controversies, presenting a "false and defamatory narrative" through "selective editing, deliberate omission, and surgical manipulation of continuous footage."

Among the specific complaints, the lawsuit states that producers interviewed season two contestant Shandi Sullivan, who described an incident on set as sexual assault. Banks alleges that Sullivan's account was not disclosed to her before her interview, and her responses were selectively edited to suggest she was unwilling to take accountability for the incident.

Prior to filing the lawsuit, Banks' team reportedly requested unedited footage of her interview from Netflix, a request which was denied. The lawsuit also claims Netflix did not provide Banks an opportunity to respond to allegations made by other participants.

Banks' team is seeking damages and the removal of her face from the album cover of a 26-track soundtrack for the documentary. Netflix has declined to comment on the lawsuit, and no response has yet been filed.

According to Business Insider, Banks maintains that the accountability she took during her interview "ended up on the cutting room floor."