Adrianne Curry Launches Scathing Critique of Tyra Banks Following Netflix Documentary Release
The inaugural winner of America's Next Top Model has unleashed a blistering attack on Tyra Banks in the wake of the highly anticipated Netflix docuseries release. Adrianne Curry, aged 43, took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to post a video featuring a sarcastic rant directed at the 52-year-old host. Curry insisted that Banks 'isn't sorry' for the treatment of contestants on the iconic reality competition show.
Sarcastic Praise and Unapologetic Stance
In her video, Curry stated with biting sarcasm: 'I have mad respect for Tyra Banks. She is not sorry. She is not apologizing to you. That b**** is not effing sorry. She will not bend the knee. And I respect that.' She elaborated further, questioning the expectation for apologies: 'We want her to lie, lie and say how bad she feels? Everyone's coming to me and they're like, "None of the judges were sorry." Why should they be? They're all loaded.'
Curry, who triumphed in the first cycle of America's Next Top Model back in 2003, was subsequently signed to Wilhelmina Models in New York City. She forged a successful career in both modelling and reality television following her victory. The media personality continued her tirade against Banks, remarking: 'Why should they give a flying F, you know? If they didn't give a F at the time, they certainly ain't gonna give a F now.'
Respect Amidst Criticism
Despite her harsh words, Curry expressed a twisted form of admiration: 'But mad respect for Tyra, because that's hard to push back on that many people trying to struggle session you, and she's just like, "f*** you, I do what I want." I gotta respect that. So, I tip my hat, m'lady. Keep on being yourself, which is someone who doesn't give a flying s***.'
Curry has been openly critical of America's Next Top Model for several years. She recently disclosed that the show left her physically scarred, revealing in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail that models 'were weighed every single morning' and she was constantly ravenous on set. 'We would have to wait all day for catering to come to any set. We were so f*****g hungry all the time. I've never been so hungry,' she recounted.
Co-star's Health Crisis Adds to Controversy
Meanwhile, Tyra Banks finds herself at the epicentre of further criticism following the Netflix release. Co-star Miss J Alexander revealed that Banks has not visited him since he suffered a debilitating stroke in December 2022, which has left him unable to walk. The 67-year-old television personality, born Alexander Jenkins, shared his emotional struggle on Netflix's Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, which premiered on Monday.
Alexander expressed his heartache: 'I miss being the queen of the runway, the queen of the catwalk, of course. I'm the person who taught models how to walk. I taught models how to walk, and now I can't walk. Not yet. I'm determined to walk. I'm sure you're going to see me again. I'm sure. It's not over for me yet.'
When asked if Banks had visited him post-stroke, Alexander replied: 'No, not yet. She sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me, but no. Not yet.' He then shot a pointed look directly at the camera, amplifying the emotional weight of his statement.
Fan Reactions and Divided Opinions
Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage. One user wrote: 'This is sad, Tyra is everything ppl said she was…tf you mean you didn't go visit him after he had a stroke???' Another added: 'Miss Jay is beyond heartbreaking. Tyra should be ashamed of herself. Turning her back on her friends and not even bothering to show up when tragedy strikes? BUT U SEND A TEXT SAYING U SHOULD VISIT?!'
However, some defenders emerged for the veteran model. A supporter posted: 'Folks have a way of turning you against them. I've always like J but no one has to come see you. Focus on the people who were in your life during that challenging time. Did anyone from Paramount Global visit J? He and Tyra were co workers with her in an executive role!'
Legacy of Controversy Explored in Docuseries
Alexander served as the runway coach for contestants on every cycle of America's Next Top Model from 2003 to 2018, later becoming a judge from Cycle 5 through Cycle 13. The reality competition series has long been mired in controversy, facing allegations over dangerous runway challenges, problematic photoshoots, and disastrous makeovers.
The new Netflix docuseries delves into these issues, addressing incidents such as a 'blackface' photoshoot and sexual harassment allegations. It features interviews with host Tyra Banks, TV producer Ken Mok, former judges, and several ex-contestants including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, and Shandi Sullivan.
Giselle, a contestant from the first series, discusses receiving 'shocking' insults from judges behind-the-scenes. Series two star Ebony Haith reveals 'racist' comments about her skin tone. Shandi addresses the controversy of being filmed sleeping with an Italian man while in a relationship, stating she 'blacked out' beforehand and that nobody intervened to stop it.
Other former contestants speak out about an ethnicity-swapping photo shoot that involved white models in 'blackface' makeup. Numerous stars also complain of being fat-shamed and harassed by male models, including non-consensual touching on set.
When old clips resurfaced online in 2020, debates reignited about the show's treatment of contestants and producers pushing boundaries. Many criticised judges, including Banks, for body-shaming, harsh comments, and humiliating challenges seemingly designed for shock value rather than genuine modelling critique.
Banks has addressed much of this criticism in recent years. At the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, she admitted: 'Hell no. I said some dumb s---,' while also defending her intent to promote diversity on television. Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
