Adrianne Curry-Rhode Supports Tyra Banks Amid Controversial 'ANTM' Docuseries
- - Adrianne Curry-Rhode Supports Tyra Banks Amid Controversial 'ANTM' Docuseries
DeAnna JanesFebruary 16, 2026 at 10:18 PM
0
Photo by Frederick M. Brown on Getty Images
It was only a matter of time before the superficial juggernaut that was America’s Next Top Model and the people behind it were given a reality check. Looks like they got one in the form of a tell-all docuseries, now streaming on Netflix.
According to Tudum, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model takes an “unprecedented” look behind the ANTM curtain, exposing the toxicity, cruelty, and controversy lurking in the shadows of 24 seasons, or cycles.
Launched in 2003, the original show, a Frankenseries blending American Idol with The Real World set it in the world of modeling, was filled with drama at the expense of young women trying to better their lives with a cash prize and a modeling contract.
"There were cruel aspects of ANTM," Danielle Lindemann, author of True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us, said, per BBC. "But, for better or worse, it is part of the cultural zeitgeist."
The Netflix docuseries seeks to address the dysfunction associated with the pioneering reality show by interviewing past contestants and even Banks herself. But for all her effort or lack there of, Banks takes no accountability. Drawing backlash, Banks does have at least one supporter: Adrianne Curry-Rhode.
Winner of the very first cycle, Curry-Rhode took to TikTok to offer her thoughts on the docuseries and Banks’ refusal to apologize.
“OK, I have mad respect for Tyra Banks,” Curry-Rhode began. “She is not sorry. She is not apologizing to you. That b-tch is not effing sorry. She will not bend the knee, and I respect that.”
She went on to share that she’d rather Banks be truthful about the way she feels rather than feign false regret or offer performative pseudo-remorse.
“What? You want her to lie?” she said. “Lie and say how bad she feels? Everyone’s coming to me and they’re like, ‘None of the judges were sorry.’ Why should they be? They’re all loaded. Why should they give a flying f–. You know? If they didn’t give a f– at the time, they certainly ain’t gonna give a f– now.”
To close her video, Curry-Rhode gave Banks backhanded credit for putting herself out there and allowing herself to be judged by audiences and viewers.
“Mad respect for Tyra,” she said. “Because that’s hard, to push back on that many people trying to struggle-session you. And she’s just like, ‘F– you. I do what I want.’ And I got to respect that. So, I tip my hat, malady. Keep on being yourself, which is someone who doesn’t give a flying sh-t [laughs].”
Today, Curry-Rhode lives in Montana and “sells Avon,” People magazine reported in May of last year. She said she occasionally gets recognized by those living near her, but when it comes to fessing up about being on reality TV (she also starred on The Surreal Life and My Fair Brady), she’s “too humiliated” to keep it real.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is streaming now on Netflix.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Related: Miss J. Alexander Reveals Stroke Left Him Unable to Walk, Says Tyra Never Visited Him
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
