Former 'ANTM' Judge Miss J Alexander Says Tyra Banks Hasn't Seen Him Since 2022 Stroke, Coma

The runway coach opened up about his health scare and recovery journey in a new Netflix documentary.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Former America's Next Top Model judge Miss J Alexander revealed in a new Netflix documentary that Tyra Banks has not seen him in person since his 2022 health scare, which included a five-week coma. While Miss J received support from other ANTM co-stars like Nigel Barker and Jay Manuel during his recovery, he said Tyra has only sent him a text expressing a desire to visit. Despite the challenges he faced, Miss J is determined to walk again and return to the runway.

Why it matters

Miss J's story highlights the importance of supporting loved ones during health crises, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by those recovering from serious medical events. It also raises questions about the relationships between ANTM's former judges and the extent to which they have remained connected over the years.

The details

In the documentary Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, Miss J, 67, said that while he's received messages from Tyra Banks, 52, the two have not seen each other in person since his 2022 stroke and coma. "No, not yet,' Miss J said. 'She just sent me a text, she wants to come to visit me. But no, not yet." Meanwhile, fellow ANTM alums Nigel Barker, 53, and Jay Manuel, 53, both visited Miss J's bedside during his hospitalization. "When he saw me, he was happy to see me and the two of us cried together and I held him," Nigel recalled. Miss J also opened up about the harrowing experience of waking up in the hospital, sharing, "I didn't know where I was other than in the hospital. I spent five weeks in a coma, and I couldn't walk. And I couldn't talk. And I thought to myself, what was I going to do?"

  • In July 2022, Miss J spent five weeks in a coma after suffering a stroke.
  • Since his health scare, Miss J says Tyra Banks has only sent him a text expressing a desire to visit.

The players

Miss J Alexander

A former judge on the reality TV series America's Next Top Model who suffered a stroke and coma in 2022.

Tyra Banks

The creator and former host of America's Next Top Model, who has not seen Miss J in person since his 2022 health scare.

Nigel Barker

A former photographer and judge on America's Next Top Model, who visited Miss J's bedside during his hospitalization.

Jay Manuel

A former creative director and judge on America's Next Top Model, who also visited Miss J during his recovery.

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What they’re saying

“When he saw me, he was happy to see me and the two of us cried together and I held him.”

— Nigel Barker, Former ANTM judge (Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model)

“I can only imagine where he was in his mind.”

— Jay Manuel, Former ANTM creative director and judge (Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model)

“I'm determined to walk. I'm sure you're gonna see me again, I'm sure. It's not over for me yet.”

— Miss J Alexander (Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model)

What’s next

The judge in Miss J's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those recovering from serious medical events, as well as the importance of maintaining strong support networks during difficult times. It also raises questions about the relationships between former ANTM co-workers and whether they have remained connected over the years.