If you’re wondering why Tyra Banks is trending on social media, this is why.
A former America’s Next Top Model contestant claimed they only got paid $40 a day. Sarah Hartshorne, from season 9, responded to a Twitter user who made comments about the show. The user said it was “wack” that Tyra made bank while the rest of the models made nothing. Sara added that aside from getting $40 a day, they had to pay for their food and don’t get residual checks.
Sara also Tweeted about an alleged unfair contract the models had to sign that said they weren’t allowed to leave the show. Take a look at a screenshot thread posted by the Hollywood Unlocked blog:
Check out some online reactions. Some users feel bad for the women; others point out they should have read the contract and that Tyra gave a lot of women opportunities.
Didn’t you read the contract before signing it? You knew how much you were getting paid. Also, we’re you even expecting any pay on a competition show? Come back with a legit beef with the show.
— RunGolf (@RunGolf1) December 1, 2021
https://twitter.com/eye_bone_hard/status/1465873644924645377?s=21
No wonder Bre lost her sht over someone (Lisa) eating her granola bars. It all makes sense now pic.twitter.com/YOZftlrEbX
— Young Woman Always Broke⁷ – 0.01% (Mel) (@MelBoomBos) November 30, 2021
Tyra needs to be brought up on this. I'm tired of these "She's a businesswoman"/"They were making a reality show" excuses. There's no justification for intentionally traumatizing and triggering young women for millions of dollars. I don't care what they signed or "consented" to.
— Yvie's Pinned Tweet (@AdamantxYves) November 30, 2021
Every time the topic of America’s Next Top Model surfaces, Tyra faces backlash for her behavior on the show. During the pandemic, clips of the show went viral on Twitter. Online users pointed out they feel Tyra exploited some of the women for entertainment.
For example, Buzz Feed points out in cycles 14 and 17, Angelea was disqualified for briefly working as an escort. In cycle 4, Kahlen had to pose in a grave right after finding out her friend had died. In cycle 6, Tyra ridicules Danielle for not wanting to close the gap in her teeth. Another moment was when Tyra told the contestant, “I’m black and proud … but I’m not, like, walking down the red carpet [saying] ‘I’m black, I’m black.”
Nah how did Tyra get away with this LOL pic.twitter.com/XrguUvgWFh
— Tanya Compas (@TanyaCompas) May 2, 2020
When the show aired, “the times” were different; for example, the LGBTQ community wasn’t supported in its current ways. Tyra hasn’t publicly spoken out on the backlash as of yet. ANTM aired in 2003 and ended in 2018.