Netflix is fighting back against Tyra Banks after the former supermodel sued over her portrayal in “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.”
The streaming giant has asked a judge to dismiss the defamation lawsuit, arguing that Banks agreed to the interview and gave the filmmakers broad rights to edit her comments.
Why Tyra Banks Sued Netflix
Banks filed the lawsuit in June, accusing the documentary’s producers of manipulating her interview to create what she described as a false and damaging portrayal.
According to her complaint, Banks sat for roughly three and a half hours of interviews, but the final documentary used only about 16 minutes of that material.
As a result, her lawyers argue that the editing removed important context and changed the meaning of her comments.
Netflix Pushes Back
Netflix, however, rejects Banks’ claims and wants the court to throw out the case.
The company argues that Banks agreed to participate and gave the filmmakers broad editing rights.
It also maintains that the documentary gave her an opportunity to share her perspective while featuring accounts from other people connected to “America’s Next Top Model.”
Banks Wants the Full Interview Released
Meanwhile, Banks’ legal team has challenged Netflix to release the complete, unedited interview so the public can compare it with the footage that appeared in the documentary.
Her lawyers insist that the dispute goes beyond Banks simply disliking the final edit.
Instead, they argue that the filmmakers used selective editing that distorted her words and created a misleading impression.
For now, Netflix wants the court to end the lawsuit, while Banks continues to challenge the way the documentary presented her comments.