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ANTM Drama Reignites: Cutrone Defends Tyra Banks

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 11:42 GMT by Entertainment Weekly
      Locales: California, New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 24, 2026 - The smoldering embers of America's Next Top Model (ANTM) drama have been reignited, as former judge Kelly Cutrone publicly defended Tyra Banks against accusations leveled by ex-executive producer and judge Jay Manuel. Manuel's recent claims, painting a picture of a chaotic and self-serving environment created by Banks, have sparked a wave of discussion about the line between tough love and exploitation within the realm of reality television.

Cutrone, a renowned fashion publicist and known for her no-nonsense approach, wasted no time in offering a counter-narrative, arguing that Banks' intense mentorship style was essential to the growth of the aspiring models. Speaking with People magazine, Cutrone stated, "Tyra was very generous with her knowledge, her experience, and her talent. She was pushing these girls to be the best versions of themselves. It was a very intense environment, yes, but it was very necessary for what they were trying to accomplish."

Manuel, in his own interview with People, described a markedly different atmosphere. He alleges a climate of "chaos" stemming from Banks' reluctance to share the spotlight, suggesting a power dynamic that hindered the show's potential and potentially harmed its contestants. This accusation echoes concerns that have been growing for years regarding the show's treatment of young, impressionable hopefuls.

Cutrone swiftly dismissed Manuel's criticism as the "easy" route - a post-hoc assessment from someone looking back with the benefit of hindsight. "It's easy to sit back and criticize now," she stated. "But Tyra was really trying to educate them and empower them."

This exchange isn't simply a he-said-she-said moment; it represents a larger conversation about the ethics of reality TV. ANTM, despite its popularity, was frequently criticized for its harsh critiques, unrealistic standards, and the emotional toll it took on its contestants. The show often prioritized dramatic storylines over the well-being of the participants, leading to moments of public humiliation and often questionable advice, like the infamous "smize" instruction.

In recent years, a wave of former reality TV contestants have come forward with allegations of manipulative editing, psychological distress, and a lack of adequate support. This has led to increased scrutiny of production practices and a demand for greater protections for participants. The rise of social media has also amplified these voices, allowing contestants to bypass traditional media outlets and share their experiences directly with the public.

Interestingly, Banks herself addressed some of the criticisms in 2020, acknowledging that the show might have made "some mistakes" and stating that she now recognizes that certain aspects of the show wouldn't fly in today's social climate. However, Cutrone's staunch defense suggests a continuing belief in the overall positive impact of Banks' approach.

The core of the debate revolves around the definition of "tough love." Was Banks' insistence on pushing contestants beyond their comfort zones a legitimate attempt to prepare them for the notoriously demanding world of fashion, or was it simply a form of emotional abuse disguised as mentorship? While some argue that the industry is brutal and that ANTM merely reflected that reality, others maintain that the show had a responsibility to create a more supportive and nurturing environment. The fact that several contestants have spoken openly about the lasting negative effects of their experience on the show lends weight to the latter argument.

The current resurgence of this debate, two decades after the show's premiere, speaks to a growing societal awareness of mental health and the importance of ethical media production. Viewers are no longer willing to passively accept exploitative practices in the name of entertainment. They demand accountability and a genuine commitment to the well-being of those who participate in reality television. The ANTM feud, therefore, serves as a potent reminder of the lasting impact of these shows and the need for continued vigilance regarding their production.