Tyra Banks launched a bombshell lawsuit towards Netflix over its “Actuality Examine: Inside America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin” documentary in June 2026. A number of days later, it was introduced that the 52-year-old can be becoming a member of “Mission Runway” as a decide for its twenty second season. Now, she is opening up about why she wanted the gig amid a tough time in her life.
Freeform introduced on June 18 that Banks would seem on season 22 of “Mission Runway” as a recurring decide. This information got here after the previous “America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin” host served as a visitor decide on the earlier season of the hit competitors design collection.
Banks took to Instagram in July 2026 to debate her addition to “Mission Runway,” first revealing that she was approached to do the present “late final yr,” however initially had reservations about becoming a member of. Concerning why she finally determined to grow to be a recurring decide, she first listed the truth that Heidi Klum serves because the host.
She continued, “And it was at a time after I wanted that as a result of I used to be going by means of lots, so I stepped on that set the primary day, and I used to be nervous.”
Tyra Says Being On Set Helped Her

Banks continued discussing “Mission Runway” and the way no matter she was going by means of in her life on the time made her nervous, though this had by no means been the case for her. In keeping with the style icon, “However there was a lot entering into my head. A lot that I used to be going by means of.”
Banks added, “However that set was the whole lot. Everyone was so heat and type, and seeing Heidi’s face gave me peace.” After that, she started to debate her trend for the premiere episode, noting that her stylist informed her, “We have to deliver one thing thrilling that catches folks’s eye.”
The ensemble included a tan shirt, a corset, and a chicken necklace. She described the necklace, saying, “It was a press release, and it was so stunning.”
Followers Are Rallying Round Tyra Banks

Following Banks’ feedback concerning the tough occasions she’s confronted within the latest previous, social media customers are defending her legacy regardless of a few of her antics from the “America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin” Days.
One individual wrote, “The Tyra Banks disrespect must cease, like come on now.. It’s TYRA BANKS.” Another person mentioned, “She’s nonetheless mom Barbie; she appears to be like superb. I don’t know what it’s, however she appears to be like 5 years youthful.”
Nonetheless, not all “Mission Runway” followers are in favor of the beloved supermodel becoming a member of the present. One X person mentioned, “That bully continues to be on a whiny, ‘whoa is me’ tour and isn’t going to let up till she’s washed away the entire damaging press from folks revisiting and critiquing her habits on ‘America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin.’”
A distinct commenter mentioned, “She desires to rehab her picture from ANTM.” Another person acknowledged, “Tyra tarnished her legendary picture, however she’ll be forgiven momentarily!! One of the best factor for her can be to put low for a minute, or so, then return like a humble Phoenix!!”
Moreover, different social media customers referred to as for the return of “America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin.”
‘Mission Runway’ Has A Stacked Judging Panel

In keeping with PEOPLE, the primary judges for “Mission Runway” season 22 are Klum, Law Roach and Nina Garcia. Christian Siriano, who gained the present’s fourth season, is returning as a mentor.
Along with Banks recurring on the present, the visitor judges for the season embrace Ciara, Fausto Puglisi, Ice Spice, Iman, Kiernan Shipka, Niecy Nash, Nina Dobrev, Sergio Hudson, Willy Chavarria, and Winnie Harlow.
“Mission Runway” airs on Freeform earlier than premiering on Hulu and Disney+ the next day.
Tyra Is Suing Netflix For Defamation

In keeping with PBS, Banks launched her lawsuit towards Netflix on June 13 for defamation and breach of contract. In it, the supermodel claims she sat for a more-than-three-hour interview in the course of the documentary’s filming. Nonetheless, solely 16 minutes made it into the ultimate minimize for “Actuality Examine: Inside America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin.”
Her attorneys mentioned within the authorized submitting, “The accountability Ms. Banks took ended up on the reducing room ground. It was there, however viewers have been by no means given the chance to see it.” The swimsuit additionally accused Netflix and the documentary’s producers of utilizing “selective modifying.”
Banks is in search of damages and needs a jury to find out the quantity she’s owed.
