In a revealing new Netflix documentary series, longtime America's Next Top Model creative director Jay Manuel has detailed the dramatic breakdown of his professional relationship with show host Tyra Banks following his attempt to leave the popular fashion competition program.
The Attempted Departure
Manuel, who joined ANTM at its inception in 2005 and became a signature face alongside judges including Banks, fashion photographer Nigel Barker, and runway coach J. Alexander, recently disclosed that he wanted to walk away from the show as its ethics became increasingly questionable. The creative director was responsible for directing and producing photo shoots and coaching models on posing techniques throughout his tenure.
"It was slowly depleting me and chipping away at my soul," Manuel confessed about his experience on the program. "So it was time to tell Tyra that I wanted to leave the show."
A Difficult Conversation
Manuel explained that he and Banks didn't share a traditional work relationship, which made it particularly challenging for him to broach the subject of his departure. He admitted to being "afraid of saying the wrong thing" to Banks and didn't want to upset her, despite having made a pact with the host after the third season to "come to each other first" when they had concerns.
After considerable deliberation, Manuel sent Banks an email expressing his gratitude for the opportunity while indicating his desire to move forward in his own life and career. "I tortured myself over the decision. I didn't come to it lightly," he revealed about the difficult choice.
The Three-Word Response
According to Manuel, Banks took three full days to respond to his email, eventually replying with just three words: "I am disappointed." Following this brief exchange, Manuel claimed that all communication between them abruptly ceased.
While on vacation shortly thereafter, Manuel's attorney informed him that he was being asked to complete one more season of ANTM. Partly out of fear that he "would be blacklisted" in the entertainment industry, Manuel agreed to return.
The Tense Reunion
When Manuel and Banks finally saw each other again after the email exchange, the creative director described an extremely awkward encounter. "I hadn't spoken to Tyra. I was extremely nervous," he recalled. "We sit down, and I was, 'Oh Thank God, I'm taking a moment. I can just talk to her.' I'm like, 'Hey, Tyra, like, I just wanted to real quick...' And that was the first time I really realized there's a real problem. She wouldn't speak with me."
Banks eventually put her arm around him and asked for his opinion on models auditioning for the show, but Manuel noted that "it was just clear I was not allowed to speak to her outside of that." He described the working environment as "psychological torture" that left him feeling "broken."
Documentary Revelations
The revelations come from the new Netflix series Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, which examines the competition's toxic culture two decades after its debut. When asked on the documentary if she would discuss what happened between her and Manuel, Banks declined, stating: "I should call Jay. I don't wanna do this here. But he's a special man."
The Final Departure
Manuel ultimately stayed with ANTM through 18 seasons before being dropped ahead of season 19 alongside fellow judges Alexander and Barker. He claimed they were promised a quote in a joint press release announcing their departure in 2012, but instead learned about their firing through multiple news outlets.
According to Manuel, their contracts weren't renewed in an attempt to boost ratings. "When I wanted to leave, I wasn't afforded that," he lamented. "And then I work on the show from cycles 10 to 18. I made so many concessions."
He questioned why Banks wouldn't allow people who had been part of the show since its inception to "move forward in their career with grace," adding that such consideration "gives people their dignity." Representatives for Tyra Banks have been contacted for comment regarding these allegations.
