Brittany Brower, a former contestant on the reality TV series *America’s Next Top Model* (ANTM), has recently voiced her concerns regarding Tyra Banks, the show’s host, in light of a new documentary released on Netflix. The docuseries, titled *Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model*, explores the controversies surrounding the show, which aired its fourth cycle in 2005, as well as its broader impact on the modelling industry.
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In a series of candid TikTok videos, Brower conveyed her mixed feelings about the documentary, describing it as “triggering.” She explained that revisiting the experiences from her time on the show has elicited a flood of emotions, particularly feelings of inadequacy that she and her fellow contestants faced during filming. “It’s hard for me to commit and watch it,” the 43-year-old said, revealing how the memories can feel overwhelming.
Brower, who achieved fourth place on the show, placed part of the blame on Banks for failing to acknowledge the struggles contestants endured. “Yes, it was a totally different time back then,” Brower observed, but she emphasised that it is crucial for Banks to take accountability for the way the models were treated. “We got completely used,” she stated, referring to the emotional and psychological toll of their participation.
Reflecting on her experiences, Brower acknowledged that although there were significant challenges, some aspects of her time on the show were positive. “There were great things about it too,” she affirmed, highlighting the enduring friendships she formed and the professional opportunities that arose from her involvement. “I can’t hate all of it,” she concluded, despite the difficulties she faced.
In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Brower did not hold back in her criticism of Banks, labelling her behaviour in the documentary as “fake.” Brower called on Banks to be honest about the show’s motivations, suggesting a candid admission would resonate more than attempting to deflect blame. “Just say the truth,” Brower urged. “We were trying to make a reality show. We were trying to make it spicy, and we get ratings. And yeah, we cross the line sometimes.”
One of the more controversial elements of the show Brower referenced was a photo shoot in which the models switched ethnicities. This particular shoot sparked widespread backlash and highlighted issues surrounding race representation in media. Brower reflected that, at the time, she and her fellow contestants were unaware of the potential ramifications such a concept could carry. “We didn’t really think much about it,” she admitted, acknowledging the social context of the early 2000s.
Living now in Florida with her husband and two children, Brower has had time to process her journey on ANTM. While she characterised her experience as “hard” and sometimes “awful,” she suggested that some critics might be attributing undue power to a television show. “I don’t see anything that was done on the show could ruin someone’s life,” she stated, adding that while the experience was undeniably challenging, it should ultimately be viewed in perspective.
Brower’s reflections provide insight into the complex legacy of *America’s Next Top Model* and the impact it has had not only on the contestants but also on the modelling and entertainment industries as a whole. Her candidness highlights the ongoing need for accountability within media representations and the importance of addressing historical controversies with honesty.
As the conversation surrounding media ethics continues to evolve, Brower’s perspective serves as a reminder of the personal narratives that lie behind public spectacles. The lessons learned from *ANTM* and its assessment today illustrate the growth in societal awareness around issues such as race, representation, and the responsibility of creators in shaping inclusive narratives.