More than six years after America’s Next Top Model ended its 24-season run, Tyra Banks is once again addressing the controversy surrounding the show—and standing by its impact.
While accepting the Luminary Spotlight honor at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, the 51-year-old reflected on the show’s legacy, the criticism it has received, and the fight for diversity in the modeling industry.
"Over 20 years ago, I created a show called America’s Next Top Model," Banks said during her speech. "And you guys have no idea how hard we fought to bring diversity to that television show at a time when it didn’t exist."
The former supermodel, who hosted 23 of the show’s 24 seasons from 2003 to 2018, recalled the pushback she received when casting models from different backgrounds.
"To show different beauties at a time when the world was like, ‘What? You casting that?'" she said. "I was like, 'Why can the girl from the trailer park become a supermodel, but the girl chilling in the park in the hood can't?' And we fought and we struggled and we made it happen."
However, Banks acknowledged the show’s missteps as well.
"Did we get it right? Hell no," she admitted. "I said some dumb s--t."
Throughout the years, ANTM has faced criticism for problematic moments, including when Banks told Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans that her tooth gap would hold her back in modeling and a Cycle 13 challenge that had contestants darken their skin for a "biracial-themed" photo shoot.
In 2020, Banks addressed some of the backlash on social media, tweeting, "Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you. Looking back, those were some really off choices. Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.
Source: E! News
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