Netflix filed a motion to strike and dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by Tyra Banks over her portrayal in the streamer's America's Next Top Model docuseries, Reality Check. Banks sued Netflix in June, contending that her comments were "stripped of context and reassembled to support a false and defamatory narrative unrelated to what she actually expressed."
Banks participated in a three-and-a-half-hour interview for the documentary but only 16 minutes of her footage was used in the final cut. Netflix's motion, filed Friday, argues that Banks' complaints concern "ordinary editorial decisions" and notes that she signed an agreement granting filmmakers the right to edit her interview footage. The agreement stated she had "no right to review or approve" the finished documentary and released claims arising from it, including for defamation.
Banks specifically cited a scene showing her response to questions about cycle two contestant Shandi Sullivan's alleged sexual assault during filming. In the documentary, Banks is asked "You remember the story with Shandi?" and responds "um" before the screen cuts to black, which Banks argued created a "devastating and deliberate" implication that she could not remember the assault. Netflix's motion counters that the documentary expressly shows Banks answering "I do remember her story," stating that such a direct statement does not imply forgetfulness.
Netflix argued that Banks understands editorial discretion, having created, hosted, and executive produced 24 seasons of America's Next Top Model. "The Documentary simply turned that editorial lens back on ANTM and Banks," the motion states. "Her disagreement with the resulting portrayal does not make it defamatory."
A Netflix spokesperson told ABC News Friday that the company plans to "vigorously defend" the docuseries and its directors, Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, whom the company described as "respected documentarians." The statement said Banks was given the opportunity to speak openly about her experience and that her perspective was "fairly presented" alongside that of other participants.
