10 Most Controversal Moments on America’s Next Top Model Documentary

America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), created by Tyra Banks, has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2003. While it launched the careers of many aspiring models and captivated audiences worldwide, the show has also been a consistent source of controversy. Over its 24 cycles, ANTM faced criticism for its problematic photoshoots, the treatment of contestants, and the often harsh judging styles of its panel. This report delves into the top 10 most controversial scenes and episodes from the American version of the show, examining incidents involving host Tyra Banks and judges Janice Dickinson, Nigel Barker, Twiggy, André Leon Talley, Kelly Cutrone, and runway coach J. Alexander.

The Top 10 Controversies of America’s Next Top Model

1. Blackface and Race, Switching Photoshoots

One of the most enduring criticisms leveled against ANTM involves its repeated use of photoshoots that depicted models in blackface or altered their appearance to represent different ethnicities. A notable instance occurred in Cycle 4 during a “Got Milk?” campaign, where contestants were made up to appear as different races. Similarly, Cycle 13 featured a “Hapa” photoshoot, intended to celebrate mixed race heritage, but which controversially involved darkening models’ skin tones to fit a specific aesthetic. These incidents sparked widespread accusations of cultural insensitivity and appropriation, with many viewers and critics arguing that the show trivialized racial identity for entertainment purposes.

2. Tyra Banks’ Outburst at Tiffany Richardson (Cycle 4)

Perhaps the most iconic and frequently replayed controversial moment is Tyra Banks’ heated confrontation with contestant Tiffany Richardson in Cycle 4, Episode 7. Following Tiffany’s elimination, Tyra expressed extreme frustration with what she perceived as Tiffany’s lack of emotional response and passion for the competition. Her now infamous line, “I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you! How dare you!” became a defining moment, highlighting the intense pressure and emotional toll on contestants. Critics debated whether Tyra’s outburst was a genuine expression of disappointment or an exploitative display for dramatic television.

3. Keenyah Hill’s Uncomfortable Photoshoot (Cycle 4)

During a Cycle 4 photoshoot in South Africa, contestant Keenyah Hill experienced inappropriate touching by a male model named Bertini. Keenyah expressed her discomfort with the situation, stating that the model was touching her upper thighs and moaning in her ear. Despite her distress, judges, including Nigel Barker and Tyra Banks, were initially perceived as dismissive, suggesting she needed to be more professional. This incident raised serious questions about contestant welfare and the show’s responsibility to protect its participants from harassment.

4. Shandi Sullivan’s Cheating Scandal (Cycle 2)

Cycle 2 saw contestant Shandi Sullivan involved in a highly publicized cheating scandal. While in Milan, Shandi, who had a boyfriend back home, engaged in a sexual encounter with an Italian model. The show controversially aired footage of the hookup and the subsequent emotional phone call where Shandi confessed to her boyfriend, Eric. This moment sparked discussions about the invasion of privacy in reality television and the ethical boundaries of producers who exploit personal relationships for ratings.

5. Janice Dickinson’s Fat, Shaming Comments

Janice Dickinson, known as “The World’s First Supermodel” and an original judge, became notorious for her blunt, often cruel critiques, particularly regarding contestants’ weight. Her treatment of Toccara Jones in Cycle 3 is a prime example, where Dickinson repeatedly called Toccara “fat” and “huge” despite Toccara being a groundbreaking plus size model and a fan favorite. Dickinson’s comments, often defended by her as simply being honest about the industry, contributed to a culture of body shaming that many found detrimental to the show’s young audience.

6. Kelly Cutrone vs. Louise Watts (Cycle 18)

Cycle 18, dubbed “British Invasion,” featured a memorable clash between judge Kelly Cutrone and British contestant Louise Watts. Cutrone, known for her abrasive “no nonsense” style, delivered a harsh critique that led to a heated backstage confrontation. Louise ultimately quit the show following the argument, citing the negative environment. This incident highlighted the often aggressive dynamics between judges and contestants, as well as the emotional toll of such interactions.

7. The “Elephant” Photoshoot (Cycle 4)

Another controversial moment in Cycle 4 involving Keenyah Hill was the “Seven Deadly Sins” photoshoot. Keenyah, who had been struggling with weight gain during the competition, was assigned the sin of “Gluttony” and made to pose as an elephant. This decision was widely criticized as insensitive and exploitative, particularly given Keenyah’s existing body image concerns, further fueling accusations of the show’s problematic treatment of contestants.

8. Dangerous and Unsafe Photoshoots

Throughout its run, ANTM featured numerous photoshoots that put contestants in potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situations. Examples include models posing in a wind tunnel in Cycle 7, walking on a narrow beam high above the ground in Cycle 15, and posing in a tank of freezing cold water in Cycle 12. These scenarios often led to visible distress, injuries, or health concerns for the models, raising ethical questions about the show’s prioritization of dramatic visuals over contestant safety.

9. Treatment of LGBTQ+ Contestants

While ANTM made strides in inclusivity by featuring transgender and openly gay contestants, the show also faced criticism for its handling of their narratives. Isis King, the first openly transgender contestant in Cycle 11, endured some insensitive comments from fellow contestants and, at times, judges. Similarly, Kim Stolz in Cycle 5 was often told that her “gayness” was too prominent or needed to be toned down for the camera, reflecting a broader struggle within the industry to fully embrace diversity without tokenism or problematic framing.

10. Makeover Disasters and “No, Weave” Controversies

The makeover segment was a staple of ANTM, often leading to dramatic transformations. However, some makeovers were disastrous, causing significant emotional distress to contestants and, at times, physical discomfort. Molly O’Connell’s experience in Cycle 16 is a notable example, where her weave was poorly executed, painful, and remained visibly problematic for several episodes. These incidents highlighted the show’s sometimes arbitrary and insensitive approach to contestant appearance, often prioritizing shock value over the models’ well being.