Top 10 America's Next Top Model Scandals & Controversies
#10: The Swimming Pool Shoot That Caused Hypothermia “Cycle 7” (2006)
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The ANTM judges have always stressed that it is a model’s job to push through the pain. But what happens when pushing through pain literally threatens your life? In Cycle 7, models were asked to pose in a freezing cold pool for a ‘floating water nymph’ photoshoot. This shoot tested not only their modelling capabilities, but also how well their body could handle extreme temperatures. Because putting yourself in danger is what modelling’s all about, right? As it turned out, CariDee actually developed hypothermia after being told to ‘push through’ the photoshoot. To make matters worse, the judges told her she had to ‘know her limits’ and practically blamed her for putting her health at risk. Not cool.
#9: Kahlen Posed in a Casket After Her Friend Passed Away “Cycle 4” (2005)
“ANTM” audiences loved the sweet and kindhearted Kahlen on Cycle 4, which is why this controversial moment was even harder to stomach. Kahlen received the news that a close friend had passed away whilst she was on the show, and to make matters worse, the theme for the photoshoot that day was especially triggering. The models each had to represent one of the seven deadly sins, posing in a casket eight feet underground. Being forced to jump into a coffin on the same day she discovered her friend had died was downright cruel, but as she was representing ‘Wrath,’ Kahlen managed to put her anger at the situation to good use, getting a great shot and avoiding the wrath of the judges.
#8: Models Posed with Blackface “Cycle 4” (2005) & “Cycle 13” (2009)
Sure, Tyra’s never been afraid of edgy photoshoots - but do you remember when she literally put models in blackface, twice? Girls were dressed and painted to represent other races in Cycle 4’s ‘Got Milk?’ photoshoot, where Miss J told the girls they had to ‘take on the persona of these ethnicities’ - whatever that means. Then, in Cycle 13, race bending was the theme once again for a bi-racial themed shoot. White models were put in makeup to make them appear darker, and were dressed in stereotypical fashion garments and accessories, making for some pretty problematic pictures. After this concept sparked controversy, Tyra apologized for any offence caused on her talk show, but by then the scandal had already stung.
#7: Yu Tsai Kept Calling Chantelle a “Panda” “Cycle 21” (2014)
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Having the first contestant with vitiligo on the show was a big thumbs up for representation. Unfortunately, the inappropriate behavior of Yu Tsai reminded us why representation like this is still so important. Not only did he give Chantelle the nickname ‘Panda’ based on the color of her skin, he threw a tantrum when she politely asked him to stop. She reasoned that impressionable viewers may see this behavior as justification for calling people names based on their skin color, which is clearly not okay. Instead of immediately apologizing and moving on, Yu Tsai told her he gave her the nickname to ‘help’ her, that it was never insulting, and that she no longer ‘deserved’ the nickname. Yikes!
#6: Angelea Preston Lost Her Crown & Sued “ANTM” “Cycle 17” (2011)
Angelea was a shining example of how sheer determination can get you what you want in life, which is what made this scandalous moment even more painful for her fans. After just missing out on the final two in Cycle 14, the Buffalo beauty was a strong competitor throughout the “All Stars” series. She reached the final three once again before being suddenly disqualified in an awkward finale episode, leaving audiences confused. It later emerged that Angelea had previously worked as an escort, going against a stipulation set out in the contract. Angelea disagreed with the action taken and ended up suing the show for $3 million, claiming the show knew the information already, and only decided to disqualify her after she got the crown.
#5: Shandi Cheated & Confessed “Cycle 2” (2004)
The early “ANTM” seasons gave us some super scandalous moments, but this Cycle 2 incident was certainly the first of its kind. Shy and sensitive Shandi shocked audiences when she cheated on her long-term boyfriend with a sexy male model, after a steamy night in the Jacuzzi got out of hand. What was just as shocking, however, was how producers aired her heartbreaking phone call confession. Fans winced watching Shandi fall apart as her boyfriend sobbed down the phone, and we wondered whether we really needed an Access All Areas pass to this girl’s private and personal life at all.
#4: The Models Trashed Their House “Cycle 10” (2008)
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The Cycle 10 girls certainly settled into their raucous celebrity lifestyle easily! Whilst the cycle was airing, it was reported that the models had caused $500,000 worth of damage to the swanky Tribeca loft they were living in during the competition. According to an insider, the landlord complained of food stains on the $20,000 white drapes, holes in the ceiling and walls, a destroyed $15,000 chandelier and a ruined Brazilian wood floor. To make matters worse, producers had apparently assured the landlord any damage would be minimal. The damage was never shown or even mentioned on the show, and the matter was brushed under the carpet pretty swiftly by “Top Model” producers.
#3: Lisa D'Amato “Cycle 5” (2005)
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Lisa went from peeing in a diaper at a photoshoot, to winning the “All Stars” season of “Top Model,” but what happened in between was a struggle for this Cycle 5 wild child. During her initial stint on the show, Lisa was known to enjoy a drink or two, and her manic behavior did not go unnoticed by her fellow competitors. She was even dubbed an ‘alcoholic bitch’ by rival Coryn. After the show, Lisa struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and appeared on the third series of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” After being called “an addict in denial” by Dr. Drew, Lisa turned her life around and went on to be crowned winner of the “All Star” cycle. Talk about a redemption story!
#2: Tyra Shouted at Tiffany “Cycle 4” (2005)
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Now a fully-fledged meme in its own right, the ‘We Were All Rooting for You’ speech was the angriest we’ve ever seen Tyra on the show. After Tiffany laughed and joked her way through her goodbyes when being eliminated, Tyra called her back to berate her for not taking her place in the competition seriously. Tiffany has since said that the iconic speech was actually way worse in reality, with Tyra telling Tiffany “you can go back to your house and sleep on your mattress on the floor with your baby.” Speaking to BuzzFeed about Tyra in 2017, Tiffany said “I didn’t think she cared,” leaving the ‘momma Tyra’ image somewhat in tatters. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: The Way the Girls Treated Isis “Cycle 11” (2008) Kayla Pushed to Do Shoot with Male Model After Opening Up “Cycle 15” (2010) Jaeda’s Male Model “Didn't Like Black Women” “Cycle 7” (2006) Robin Pressured to Pose “Cycle 1” (2003) Keenyah Had to Pose as an Elephant After Weight Gain “Cycle 4” (2005)
#1: Renee Alway Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison “Cycle 8” (2007)
Cocky, competitive, and never afraid to speak her mind, Renee had a reputation on Cycle 8 for being the villain of the season. She was a strong competitor, however, achieving a respectable third place, with a ton of potential for her future career. Unfortunately, debilitating drug problems meant that her life took a turn for the worse after the show. Renee was arrested for multiple offenses including drug possession, burglary, and fraud in 2013, after a six-hour stand-off with police. Fans were shaken by her altered appearance in her prison interview, as well as her controversial revelation that the after-show support from “Top Model” was practically non-existent. Now that’s definitely not so fierce.
