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Kelly Cutrone Defends Tyra Banks Amid ANTM Backlash

2/28/2026

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Cutrone Defends Banks

Kelly Cutrone, former judge on America's Next Top Model (ANTM), defended Tyra Banks amid backlash sparked by the Netflix docuseries Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model.
Cutrone's comments followed Sherri Shepherd's emotional defense of Banks on her talk show.
However, Cutrone faced criticism for her role on ANTM, particularly from cycle 18 contestant Louise Watts.
Cutrone acknowledged the show's flaws but firmly believed Banks did not deserve the backlash.

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Jonte Richardson Resigns

Jonte Richardson, a senior BAFTA judge, resigned after a racial slur at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
The slur came from John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome, during a live broadcast.
Richardson criticized BAFTA’s response as inadequate.
He said remaining with the organization would imply condoning its behavior.
The BBC apologized for airing the slur while editing future broadcasts.

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Cutrone Defends Banks

Kelly Cutrone, former judge on America's Next Top Model (ANTM), defended Tyra Banks amid backlash sparked by the Netflix docuseries Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model.
Cutrone's comments followed Sherri Shepherd's emotional defense of Banks on her talk show.
However, Cutrone faced criticism for her role on ANTM, particularly from cycle 18 contestant Louise Watts.
Cutrone acknowledged the show's flaws but firmly believed Banks did not deserve the backlash.

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