Netflix strikes back against Tyra Banks after docuseries fallout

Netflix has responded to Tyra Banks's defamation lawsuit over her portrayal in Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, the three-part docuseries that examined the history of the long-running series.

The streaming giant filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was filed by the presenter in June, with the company arguing that Banks's complaints were "about ordinary editorial decisions" (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Following the release of the docuseries in February, Banks claimed that she was falsely represented, and argued that her comments were "stripped of context and reassembled to support a false and defamatory narrative unrelated to what she actually expressed".

Related: Why America's Next Top Model documentary doesn't feature judge Janice Dickinson

Banks, who also serves as an executive producer on ANTM, sat down for a three-and-a-half-hour long interview as part of the docuseries, but outlined that just 16 minutes of her footage was used in the final edit.

Netflix's motion, filed last week, reads: "After the interview, [Banks] signed an agreement granting the filmmakers the right to edit her interview footage, acknowledging she had 'no right to review or approve' the finished documentary, and releasing claims arising from it — including for defamation and false light.

"She now alleges the documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model (the 'Documentary'), defames her — not because it says anything false about her, but because she wanted advance notice of what another interviewee would say, more of her interview included, and her perspective presented differently."

The streamer also hit back at Banks's claims that the docuseries created a "devastating and deliberate" implication that she couldn't remember the alleged sexual assault of season two contestant Shandi Sullivan.

The documentary, Banks's suit argues, shows the model being asked if she remembers "the story with Shandi", to which she responded "um" before the screen cuts to black.

Netflix addressed Banks's claims of misrepresentation in their motion, noting: "And when Banks is asked whether she remembers Sullivan's story, the documentary shows her answer: 'I do remember her story.' A documentary expressly showing Banks remembering does not imply that she forgot."

The motion continued by saying that Banks understood "editorial discretion", adding: "She created, hosted and executive produced 24 seasons of ANTM, making the same kinds of editorial decisions she now attacks — what footage to include, what to omit, and how to present competing narratives.

Related: Where are America's Next Top Model's Miss J, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker now?

"The documentary simply turned that editorial lens back on ANTM and Banks. Her disagreement with the resulting portrayal does not make it defamatory."

Last week, a Netflix spokesperson told ABC News that the streamer intended to "vigorously defend" Reality Check and its team, noting: "Directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy are respected documentarians who thoroughly interviewed the people behind America's Next Top Model.

"Tyra Banks was given the opportunity to speak openly about her experience and the creators fairly presented her perspective alongside those of every other participant shown in this documentary. We stand behind Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model and will continue to vigorously defend it."

Digital Spy has contacted Banks's representatives for comment.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).