America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille reacts to shocking documentary and Tyra Banks backlash

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Eva Marcille, the winner of America’s Next Top Model‘s third season in 2004, is the most recent contestant to respond to the controversy and Netflix documentary about Tyra Banks that came out recently.

The 41-year-old model shared on CBS Mornings that she was surprised by the difficult experiences of other contestants.

‘I watched it and after I watched it, I was gobsmacked, I was in awe. My mouth was wide open. 

She said it’s strange to be a member of a group and not be informed about what’s happening, while speaking with Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Vladamir Duthiers.

Marcille shared that she wasn’t invited to participate in the popular docuseries, ‘Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model’.

She said: ‘They did not ask me to be on it. It was very surprising.’

Marcille acknowledged that it was ‘amazingly horrifying’ to learn about the difficult experiences of other contestants on the show.

As someone who’s really lived this life, and truly understands what it’s like to be me, I always thought people could relate. I figured if someone had similar experiences, they’d get it. But honestly, I was so wrong! It’s been incredible – and a little surprising – to realize just how much people don’t fully understand. For 21 years, I’ve been answering questions about my journey, and it’s amazing to me that even after all this time, there’s still so much curiosity.

It’s funny, no matter the interview or project, the topic of America’s Next Top Model always seems to come up.

I never understood why it kept coming up in interviews. I’ve completed 154 projects since my time on Top Model, and that was 21 years ago.

Someone asked Marcille if she thinks Banks needs to do more to address the criticism she’s facing from viewers of the reality show.

I watched the show, and she apologized repeatedly. However, an apology only means something if the person you hurt is able to accept it.

There are no words that can truly mend the pain for young women who have experienced sexual assault, or who now struggle with eating disorders or self-image issues. The trauma they faced as girls will always be a part of who they are, and no apology feels sufficient to heal such deep wounds.

As a longtime viewer, I was really disturbed to hear her claim that the show’s producers and judges actively created all that drama and tension. It definitely seemed like more than just natural competition, and it’s upsetting to think it was manufactured behind the scenes.

 ‘That environment could not exist without producers aiding and embedding what was going on.

Marcille explained that she’s experienced reality TV from all angles, especially with shows like ‘Housewives.’ She admitted she only knows what’s happening in a cast member’s life if the show’s producers share it, as that’s how these programs are made.

Although she wasn’t featured in the Netflix documentary, Tyra Banks did acknowledge her impact when discussing contestants who revolutionized the modeling world.

Marcille explained that being a short, Black woman in the modeling industry was considered impossible. She shared that, given her height, people thought a career in modeling for her ‘would never happen,’ as she discussed on a recent talk show.

Marcille shared that her career achievements are largely thanks to her experience on America’s Next Top Model and Tyra Banks.

She explained: ‘What I will say is I will never fail to thank Tyra. 

Tyra always aimed to revolutionize the modeling world, and particularly with Top Model, she wanted to fundamentally change the industry’s standards and expectations. She absolutely achieved that, and it had a huge impact on my career.

The first winner of America’s Next Top Model recently spoke out against Tyra Banks, criticizing her after the new Netflix documentary sparked a lot of conversation.

Adrianne Curry, 43, shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, criticizing the 52-year-old host of a reality competition show. She claimed the host isn’t genuinely remorseful for how contestants are treated.

Curry expressed strong admiration for Tyra Banks, emphasizing her refusal to apologize or back down to anyone. He stated she doesn’t regret her actions and won’t humble herself for others, and he greatly respects her for that unwavering stance.

They want her to pretend to be devastated, to really play up the sadness. People keep telling me the judges showed no remorse, and honestly, why would they? They’re all wealthy and privileged.

Adrianne Curry won the first season of America’s Next Top Model in 2003. She signed with Wilhelmina Models in New York City and continued to work as a successful model and appear on reality TV.

The celebrity continued to strongly criticize Banks, saying, ‘Why should anyone care now? They didn’t care back then, so they certainly won’t care now.’

I have a lot of respect for Tyra, because it’s tough to stand your ground against so much criticism. She basically said she doesn’t care what anyone thinks and will do things her own way, and I admire that. So, kudos to her – keep being authentically yourself, unapologetically.

Tyra Banks’ show, America’s Next Top Model, has faced criticism from contestant Lisa Curry for years, who recently shared that her time on the show left her with lasting physical scars.

As someone who’s been around the fashion industry for years, I’ve heard some wild stories, and this one from Caprice is pretty shocking. She told me the models were weighed every single morning during photoshoots, and she herself was absolutely starving while on set. It just highlights the intense pressures they face, and it’s a reminder that what looks glamorous often isn’t.

Honestly, the catering situation was a nightmare. We’d be stuck waiting all day for food to arrive on set, and let me tell you, we were constantly starving. I truly don’t think I’ve ever been that hungry in my life!

This reality competition show has faced several controversies throughout its run, including risky challenges, questionable photo shoots, and failed makeovers.

The new Netflix docuseries covers controversial issues like a photoshoot featuring blackface and accusations of sexual harassment.

The series includes interviews with host Tyra Banks, producer Ken Mok, and former judges, as well as insights from past contestants and winners like Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, and Shandi Sullivan.

Giselle, a contestant from the first season of the show, has spoken about receiving harsh and upsetting criticism from the judges off-camera. Ebony Haith, who appeared in the second season, has also revealed she was subjected to racist remarks about her skin tone.

Shandi, a contestant from season two, also speaks about the backlash she received after being filmed in a compromising situation with a man in Italy while she was in a relationship. The episode, filmed during the show’s European segment, caused significant controversy.

The model has described losing consciousness before the incident, and claims no one intervened, instead choosing to record it for the show.

Honestly, I’m absolutely reeling over this whole thing. It’s not just me, either – other people who were on the show are finally speaking up about this awful photoshoot. Apparently, they took white models and, can you believe it, gave them makeup to look Black? It’s just… unbelievable and so hurtful. Everyone’s finally realizing how wrong it was.

Several stars have reported experiencing fat shaming and harassment from male models, including unwanted physical contact and touching on set.

In 2020, old videos from the show started circulating online, leading to renewed discussions about how contestants were treated and whether the producers went too far.

Many people criticized judges like Banks for making comments about contestants’ bodies, being overly harsh, and giving challenges that felt intended to create drama rather than offer constructive feedback on their modeling skills.

Banks herself has addressed much of this criticism in recent years. 

During the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, she acknowledged that America’s Next Top Model wasn’t perfect, admitting she ‘said some silly things.’ However, she also explained that her goal was to increase diversity on TV.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is available to stream on Netflix.

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2026-02-19 22:35