America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), created by Tyra Banks , has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2003. While it launched the careers of many aspiring models and captivated audiences worldwide, the show has also been a consistent source of controversy.
Over its 24 cycles, ANTM faced criticism for its problematic photoshoots, the treatment of contestants, and the often harsh judging styles of its panel. Here's the top 10 most controversial scenes and episodes from the American version of the show,
examining incidents involving host Tyra Banks and judges Janice Dickinson, Nigel Barker, Twiggy, André Leon Talley, Kelly Cutrone, and runway coach J. Alexander. The Top 10 Controversies of America’s Next Top Model 1.
Blackface and Race, Switching Photoshoots One of the most enduring criticisms leveled against ANTM involves its repeated use of photoshoots that depicted models in blackface or altered their appearance to represent different ethnicities.
A notable instance occurred in Cycle 4 during a “Got Milk?” campaign, where contestants were made up to appear as different races. Similarly, Cycle 13 featured a “Hapa” photoshoot, intended to celebrate mixed race heritage, but which controversially involved darkening models’ skin tones to fit a specific aesthetic.
These incidents sparked widespread accusations of cultural insensitivity and appropriation, with many viewers and critics arguing that the show trivialized racial identity for entertainment purposes. 2…
