AceShowbiz - Tyra Banks is taking legal action against Netflix, alleging defamation tied to their documentary series about America’s Next Top Model, Vulture reports. The lawsuit claims that the producers manipulated footage through selective editing and left out key details to construct a misleading narrative about the supermodel and TV personality.

Per Vulture, the complaint accuses the documentary of insinuating that Tyra Banks knowingly permitted a contestant’s sexual assault on the show and exploited the incident for ratings, a portrayal she disputes. Nbcnews also reported that Banks was not informed about allegations from Cycle 2 contestant Shandi Sullivan during her interview and insists she was unaware of Sullivan’s story until after filming. Variety confirms the suit targets Netflix, 89 Blocks Holdings, EverWonder Studio, Netflix Music, and co-directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan as defendants. The legal filing highlights that only 16 minutes of Banks’ extensive three-and-a-half-hour interview were used, rearranged to falsely suggest she couldn’t recall the sexual assault claims and downplayed her acceptance of responsibility for some show issues. The lawsuit further notes the documentary misrepresented Banks’ efforts to connect with longtime collaborator Miss Jay Alexander after his 2022 stroke, overlooking her residency in Australia at the time which limited her ability to visit him.

Tyra Banks is best known as the host of America’s Next Top Model starting in 2003, a role that solidified her status as a supermodel and TV star. She has appeared in various films and TV shows including Black or White, Inferno, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, New York Undercover, Love Stinks, and Coyote Ugly. With over 20 credits in her filmography, Banks has earned multiple award nominations for her hosting and TV roles, underscoring her influence in entertainment.

This lawsuit underscores the growing tensions between talent and streaming platforms over documentary storytelling, especially when sensitive subjects like sexual assault are involved. The case could have significant implications for how reality TV legacies are portrayed and the responsibilities of producers in representing real-life events and individuals’ reputations. Banks is seeking damages for harm caused to her personal brand and business, including a decline in her Sydney ice cream venture, SMiZE & DREAM, signaling the high stakes of the dispute.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Vulture.