Former 'America's Next Top Model' Winner Eva Marcille 'Gobsmacked' by Docuseries Revelations

Eva Marcille, who won Cycle 3 of the show, says she had 'no idea' about the alleged bullying, body shaming, and sexual assault that occurred behind the scenes.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Eva Marcille, the winner of Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model, was left "gobsmacked" after watching the new Netflix docuseries that exposed alleged misconduct and abuse on the show. Marcille said she had "absolutely no idea" such "horrible" acts were happening, despite being a part of the "club" for over two decades. She insisted she was never asked to be part of the docuseries, even though she has been constantly connected to Tyra Banks and Top Model since her win in 2004.

Why it matters

The revelations in the docuseries have raised serious questions about the treatment of contestants on America's Next Top Model and the role of the show's producers in enabling an environment of alleged bullying, body shaming, and sexual assault. As a former winner, Marcille's reaction highlights the disconnect between the contestants' experiences and the public perception of the show.

The details

In the docuseries, several former contestants, including Shandi Sullivan and Dani Evans, shared their experiences of alleged misconduct on the show. Sullivan claimed she was filmed in bed with a male model while drunk and blacked out, and that producers should have intervened. Evans said she was pressured to close the gap in her teeth, despite initially refusing. The docuseries also explored issues like the controversial "race-swapping" photo shoot and the focus on contestant Keenyah Hill's weight.

  • Marcille won Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model in 2004.
  • The Netflix docuseries, "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model", was released on February 16, 2026.

The players

Eva Marcille

The winner of Cycle 3 of America's Next Top Model, who has gone on to star in various TV shows and films.

Tyra Banks

The creator and host of America's Next Top Model, who has faced criticism for her handling of the alleged misconduct on the show.

Shandi Sullivan

A finalist from Cycle 2 of America's Next Top Model, who claimed she was filmed in bed with a male model while drunk and blacked out.

Dani Evans

The winner of Cycle 6 of America's Next Top Model, who said she was pressured to close the gap in her teeth despite initially refusing.

Ken Mok

The executive producer of America's Next Top Model, who acknowledged some of the show's missteps in the docuseries.

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What they’re saying

“I watched it and after I watched it, I was gobsmacked. I was in awe... my mouth was wide open. To be a part of a club and not know what's going on in the club is crazy.”

— Eva Marcille (CBS Mornings)

“That environment could not exist without producers aiding and embedding what was going on. I've done reality now on every level. Housewives, I mean, I don't know what is going on in someone's life unless the producers tell me. It's a part of how this thing works.”

— Eva Marcille (CBS Mornings)

“I saw the show. She apologized a million times. But an apology to the person that you wronged is only as good as they could appreciate it. And so, for the young girls that were sexually assaulted... for the young girls that now have eating disorders or look at themselves and never feel beautiful—that little girl in them that will always live in the woman that is them—there is no sorry, I think, that's big enough to truly feel and heal that kind of hurt.”

— Eva Marcille (CBS Mornings)

The takeaway

The revelations in the docuseries have shattered the veneer of the popular modeling competition show, exposing a culture of alleged misconduct and abuse that many former contestants, including Eva Marcille, were unaware of. This has raised urgent questions about the responsibility of producers and the need for greater accountability and transparency in reality TV production.