Tyra Banks is offering new evidence in her ongoing legal battle against Netflix over its “America’s Next Top Model” documentary.
The supermodel’s attorneys submitted side-by-side video comparisons as part of a new court filing Tuesday. Banks says the clips demonstrate how editing changed the context and meaning of her comments.
The filing comes as Netflix seeks to dismiss Banks’ defamation lawsuit. Banks sued the streaming company in June over “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.”
The three-part documentary examines the popular modeling competition’s legacy and controversies. Banks created the original series and served as its longtime host and executive producer.
She claims the documentary used selective editing to create a misleading portrayal of her actions. Banks sat for roughly three-and-a-half hours of interviews for the documentary.Her lawsuit alleges only about 16 minutes of that interview appeared in the finished series.
Banks Points To Shandi Sullivan Edit
One comparison focuses on former contestant Shandi Sullivan. Sullivan discussed an alleged sexual assault that occurred while filming the show’s second cycle.
Banks was later asked during her documentary interview whether she remembered Sullivan’s story. The documentary’s first episode shows Banks responding with “Um” before the scene cuts away.
Banks’ attorneys say the original footage included more of her immediate response. According to the filing, Banks nodded before saying, “Um … I do remember her story.”
Her legal team argues that removing those moments created a significantly different impression for viewers.
“The nod was not cut off. It was cut out,” Banks’ attorneys wrote.
The fuller response later appeared during the documentary’s second episode. Banks maintains she did not know Sullivan viewed the incident as sexual assault until watching the documentary.
Her original complaint also disputes any suggestion that Banks knowingly ignored an assault during production. A second comparison focuses on a conversation between Banks and Sullivan that originally aired in 2004.
Banks’ attorneys say Sullivan introduced the topic of cheating during their conversation. However, the lawsuit argues the Netflix documentary rearranged footage surrounding that exchange.
Banks claims the final sequence suggested she introduced the topic after receiving direction from producers. Her attorneys argue that Sullivan actually asked Banks whether she had ever cheated or been cheated on.
Banks then responded before noticing Sullivan had become emotional. The lawsuit alleges rearranging those moments changed viewers’ understanding of how the conversation began.
Netflix Stands Behind Documentary
Netflix has disputed Banks’ allegations and defended the filmmakers behind the series. The company has maintained that Banks received an opportunity to openly discuss her experiences with the original show. Netflix also says filmmakers fairly presented her perspective alongside accounts from other participants.
Banks’ lawsuit includes claims of defamation by implication, false light, breach of contract and false endorsement. She alleges the documentary caused reputational damage, mental anguish and lost business opportunities.
Banks is seeking unspecified damages and has requested a jury trial. Her attorneys have maintained that the case involves more than dissatisfaction with an unfavorable documentary.
Instead, they argue editing techniques materially changed the meaning of Banks’ statements and actions. Netflix and the other defendants dispute that characterization. Banks previously argued that portions of her interview showing accountability for controversial “Top Model” moments were excluded.
Her original complaint says she entered the interview prepared to discuss both the show’s successes and its shortcomings. The latest video comparisons now place the documentary’s editing choices at the center of that argument. A hearing on Netflix’s effort to dismiss the lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 30.