Jay Manuel Reveals Falling Out with Tyra Banks After Exiting America's Next Top Model

In a new Netflix documentary, Manuel shares details about his departure from the show and the breakdown of his friendship with Banks.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jay Manuel, the former creative director of America's Next Top Model, reveals in the new Netflix documentary "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" that his departure from the show and subsequent falling out with host Tyra Banks was a difficult and emotional experience. Manuel claims he wanted to leave the show much earlier than he did, but when he told Banks, she did not take the news well. After his exit, communication between the two friends stopped, and they have had minimal contact since then, despite Manuel's openness to reconcile.

Why it matters

The behind-the-scenes drama between Manuel and Banks sheds light on the challenges and tensions that can arise in long-running reality TV shows, even among close collaborators. It also highlights the importance of open communication and the ability to navigate professional transitions, especially in high-profile entertainment industry relationships.

The details

According to the documentary, Manuel decided in cycle 8 of America's Next Top Model that he was ready to leave the show. He emailed Banks to thank her, but she responded with just three words: "I am disappointed." After that, all communication between the two stopped. Manuel ended up returning for cycle 9 at the request of the network, but he says it was "torture" because Banks refused to speak with him off-camera. In the documentary, Banks declined to discuss what happened with Manuel, saying she should call him to deal with it personally, but Manuel says he never received that call.

  • Manuel decided he was ready to leave the show in cycle 8.
  • Manuel emailed Banks to thank her, but she responded with just three words: "I am disappointed."
  • Manuel returned for cycle 9 at the network's request, but he says it was "torture" because Banks refused to speak with him off-camera.
  • Manuel last saw Banks in 2017 at BeautyCon, where they had a "really nice conversation."

The players

Jay Manuel

The former creative director of America's Next Top Model, who had a falling out with host Tyra Banks after deciding he was ready to leave the show.

Tyra Banks

The host and creator of America's Next Top Model, who had a close professional and personal relationship with Jay Manuel until his departure from the show.

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What they’re saying

“She didn't respond. It was probably the longest three days ever. And she ultimately wrote back just three words. 'I am disappointed.' After that email exchange, all communication just stopped. It should've been the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart, but that did not happen.”

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

“Tyra chose not to speak with me at all while the cameras were off. When they were on, she'd speak to me. After [trying to leave], I did cycle 9, which was ... torture for me. I was so broken by the end of that cycle because of the mental torture of what was going on.”

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

“I never got that phone call. I don't think I'm getting a phone call. She's got my number.”

— Jay Manuel, Former creative director, America's Next Top Model (PEOPLE)

The takeaway

The falling out between Jay Manuel and Tyra Banks highlights the challenges that can arise in long-running reality TV collaborations, even among close friends. The lack of open communication and inability to navigate their professional transition led to a breakdown in their relationship, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining strong interpersonal skills in the entertainment industry.