LOS GATOS, CA—Tyra Banks filed a $100 million lawsuit against Netflix on Thursday, alleging that the streaming platform’s new documentary, “Strut and Cover: The Untold Models,” maliciously edited her interview to portray her as someone capable of human flaws, critical thought, and basic empathy.
The suit claims footage from Banks’ four-hour monologue was “hacked apart and stitched together by amateurs with no regard for proper smizing technique,” thereby implying she did not take seriously reports of misconduct on the set of “America’s Next Top Model.” Banks insists the edits were “so egregious, they almost made me look like I was listening, which simply never happened.”
“Netflix’s reckless disregard for my brand is shocking,” Banks stated in a press release. “I have worked tirelessly to cultivate an image of benevolent omnipotence. Never in my life have I let an emotion slip through my cheekbones.”
Netflix spokesperson Jamie Connors responded, “We did our best to honor Ms. Banks’ vision, but our editors had to cut down her answer about comfortable shoes from 37 minutes to a manageable 12, and somewhere in there, she almost sounded relatable.”
In a sworn affidavit, former contestant Janessa Moon recalled, “Tyra always told us reality is an illusion, and now I see she meant lawsuits are, too.”
Legal experts predict a lengthy court battle, as Banks has demanded the jury consist of “at least three mannequins, two runway robots, and a signed headshot of Nigel Barker.” Meanwhile, Netflix says it remains committed to accurate storytelling and will re-release the documentary with an added disclaimer: “Dramatization. Actual feelings not depicted.”

