Full Breakdown
Former Contestants of "America's Next Top Model" Lobby for Reality TV Protections
2/20/2026, 6:40:13 AM
Advocacy for Change in Reality TV Regulations
In response to the recent Netflix docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model," five former contestants from the show are advocating for stronger legal protections for reality TV participants. Jeana Turner, Brittany "Corinne" Hatch, Sarah VonderHaar, Giselle Samson, and Sarah Hartshorne have collectively approached the California state legislature to initiate discussions on amending existing laws to better safeguard reality TV contestants. Turner emphasized the importance of their movement, stating, "This is no longer just about telling our stories; it’s about making sure what happened on ‘ANTM’ doesn’t further perpetuate to affecting the next generation of girls just chasing a dream."
Background on "America's Next Top Model"
"America's Next Top Model," which aired from 2003 to 2018 across UPN, The CW, and VH1, has faced scrutiny for its treatment of contestants. The recent docuseries highlights various controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment, body-shaming, and manipulative production practices. Notably, Tyra Banks, the show's host and producer, has acknowledged in the documentary that she sometimes went "too far" in her criticisms of contestants, including pressuring one to undergo a dental procedure.
Contestants' Experiences and Claims
The lobbying effort is rooted in the contestants' personal experiences during their time on the show. VonderHaar and Hatch have previously filed wage claims against the show's producers, alleging that they were required to be available 24/7 without proper compensation. VonderHaar's claim states that they were only provided a per diem of $40 per day for food while being subjected to extreme working conditions. Hatch has also described how sleep deprivation was used as a tactic to heighten emotional volatility among contestants, which she believes contributed to dramatic moments on the show.
Official Statements & Responses
Turner, in her advocacy, has called for "real accountability and real change," asserting that their collective voices are stronger than any individual narrative. The California state legislature has not yet publicly responded to their lobbying efforts. Meanwhile, Banks has expressed a desire to continue her work in the reality TV space, hinting at potential future projects related to "America's Next Top Model."
Criticism & Opposition
While the former contestants are pushing for legislative change, there has been criticism regarding the show's legacy and the impact of its production practices. Some viewers and former participants have voiced concerns over the psychological toll the show may have taken on contestants, with many calling for a reevaluation of how reality TV is produced and regulated.
What's Next
The former contestants plan to continue their advocacy efforts, aiming to bring attention to the need for legal protections in the reality TV industry. Their actions may lead to significant discussions within the California legislature regarding the treatment of reality TV participants and the potential for new regulations to prevent exploitation in the industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is no longer just about telling our stories, it’s about making sure what happened on ‘ANTM’ doesn’t further perpetuate to affecting the next generation of girls just chasing a dream or any reality TV contestant,” — Jeana Turner, Former Contestant
- “I knew I went too far. It was very, very intense, but you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing it, more and more and more,” — Tyra Banks, Host/Producer
