In Part 1 of a broadcast-exclusive full interview, former judges Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel, and J. Alexander now featured in the new documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model sit down together with Sherri Shepherd and hold nothing back. The trio opens up about accountability, their departures from the hit series, and what it was really like behind the scenes.
In Part 2 of the exclusive conversation, the former stars continue their candid discussion, addressing past mistakes and revealing whether they would ever consider returning for a reboot of America’s Next Top Model.
Sherri Shepherd noted that it’s been 14 years since they left the show, yet everyone is still buzzing about the documentary.
Nigel shared that telling his story now feels necessary it’s been nearly 20 years, and the time feels right. He acknowledged that there was a lot of harsh judgment back then and admitted that some of what happened during that era simply wouldn’t be acceptable by today’s standards.
Jay explained that while certain elements worked at the time, things eventually went off the rails. He felt it was important to participate in the documentary to offer context and clarity. He emphasized that it was never about villainizing Tyra Banks, adding that he personally witnessed how hard she fought within the fashion industry. He stood by her then and wanted to stand in his truth now.
J. Alexander acknowledged that, in hindsight, mistakes were made. He said his primary focus during his time on the show was mentoring the models and serving as a judge.
Jay also revealed that he left America’s Next Top Model during Cycle 8 and admitted that his relationship with Tyra is now strained. He shared that he’s unsure where things went wrong, saying she eventually shut him out something he described as deeply painful.
More inside…
JOCELYN PRESCOD/SHERRI
