A former contestant from the reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model” has unveiled shocking details about the threats and manipulative tactics used behind the scenes, shedding light on a darker side of the popular modelling competition. Sarah Hartshorne, who competed in cycle 9 of the show back in 2007, has recently released a memoir titled “You Wanna Be on Top?: A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America’s Next Top Model” where she discloses the realities of working on the show. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hartshorne highlighted the unexpected challenges she and other contestants faced during filming, revealing that the production environment posed more obstacles than their fellow models.
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Hartshorne explained that upon arriving to film the show, she quickly realised that it was vastly different from what she had anticipated. Contestants were reportedly restricted in their ability to take breaks, communicate with the outside world, and even seek medical attention when needed. These revelations are just a glimpse of the bombshells dropped in Hartshorne’s memoir, which provides an insider’s perspective on the complexities of reality TV and modelling.
Reflecting on her experience on the show, Hartshorne expressed that many viewers may have overlooked some of the more problematic aspects depicted on screen. She mentioned that she, like many others, had initially accepted the producers’ narrative that being on the show was a fantastic opportunity, without fully realising the implications of the treatment they endured behind the scenes.
In a speech earlier this year at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Tyra Banks, the creator of “America’s Next Top Model”, acknowledged shortcomings in the show’s portrayal of contestants. Despite this, representatives for Banks and the show have not yet responded to requests for comment on Hartshorne’s revelations. The issues raised by former contestants have sparked conversations about the changing dynamics of reality TV and the treatment of participants in such shows.
Hartshorne emphasised that the entertainment industry has evolved, demonstrating that it is possible to create engaging content without subjecting individuals to extreme circumstances or mistreatment. Following her time on the show, Hartshorne went on to model for various clients worldwide and now focuses on writing about her experiences in the industry, particularly in plus-size modelling, travel, and body image.
In an excerpt shared exclusively with PEOPLE from her book, Hartshorne details a chilling encounter during filming where contestants were threatened with legal action and hefty fines if they disclosed any confidential information. The intense pressure and control tactics used by the show’s producers painted a stark picture of the reality behind the glitz and glamour seen on screen.
The revelations made by Hartshorne are shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by contestants on reality TV shows, urging a re-examination of the treatment of participants in the industry. The impact of such disclosures may prompt a broader discussion on the ethical responsibilities of reality TV producers towards their contestants and the need for greater transparency in the entertainment world. Hartshorne’s courageous decision to speak out provides an important perspective on the reality behind the manufactured glamour of television.