Former 'ANTM' Contestant Alleges Producers Framed Sexual Assault as Cheating

Shandi Sullivan claims show's producers mishandled her alleged assault during Milan trip

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Shandi Sullivan, a former contestant on "America's Next Top Model," has accused the show's producers of framing her alleged sexual assault as a cheating storyline during Season 2 in 2003. Sullivan claims she was sexually assaulted by a male model during a trip to Milan, but the incident was portrayed as her cheating on her then-boyfriend. She alleges the producers should have intervened and stopped the assault, but instead allowed the footage to be used in a way that was harmful to her.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about how reality TV shows handle sensitive situations involving contestants, especially when it comes to issues of sexual assault and consent. It raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of production companies and the need for better safeguards to protect vulnerable participants.

The details

According to Sullivan, the alleged assault occurred after some male models were invited to join the "ANTM" contestants for dinner and drinks in Milan. Sullivan claims she was "blacked out" drunk and remembers one of the male models being "on top" of her, but says "no one did anything to stop" the incident, even though it was being filmed. The next morning, Sullivan says she was distraught, but the producers framed the situation as her cheating on her boyfriend, Eric. Sullivan and Eric ultimately broke up after the season aired.

  • The alleged sexual assault incident occurred during a trip to Milan for Season 2 of "America's Next Top Model" in 2003.
  • The upcoming Netflix docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" is set to feature Sullivan's account of the incident, which will be released on February 16, 2026.

The players

Shandi Sullivan

A former contestant on "America's Next Top Model" Season 2 who has accused the show's producers of framing her alleged sexual assault as a cheating storyline.

Ken Mok

The executive producer of "America's Next Top Model" who defended the show's handling of the incident, calling it "one of the most memorable moments" of the series.

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What they’re saying

“I was hammered. I think I had two bottles of wine by myself. I just remember, like, little bits and pieces.”

— Shandi Sullivan, Former "America's Next Top Model" Contestant (People)

“We treated 'Top Model' as a documentary, and we told the girls that. There's going to be cameras with you 24/7, and they're going to cover everything, the good, the bad, and everything in between.”

— Ken Mok, Executive Producer, "America's Next Top Model" (The Independent)

What’s next

The upcoming Netflix docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" is expected to provide more details and context around Sullivan's allegations when it is released on February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for reality TV shows to have stronger safeguards and protocols in place to protect contestants, especially when it comes to sensitive situations involving assault or consent. It also underscores the lasting impact these types of incidents can have on participants, even years later.