Park Slope Resident Shandi Sullivan Recounts Trauma on 'Reality Check' Docuseries

Sullivan opens up about her experience on 'America's Next Top Model' and the outpouring of support she's received since the Netflix series aired.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Park Slope resident and former 'America's Next Top Model' contestant Shandi Sullivan is revisiting a traumatic moment from her time on the show in the new Netflix docuseries 'Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model.' Sullivan struggled with the decision to participate but felt it was necessary to tell her full story, which includes a sexual assault that occurred during filming and the aftermath. The renewed attention has led to an outpouring of support, including nearly $20,000 raised through a GoFundMe to help Sullivan with housing and medical costs after the loss of her cat. Despite the challenges, Sullivan remains passionate about Brooklyn and her dream of opening an animal sanctuary.

Why it matters

Sullivan's story sheds light on the lack of support and mishandling of sensitive situations by reality TV production teams, as well as the lasting impact these experiences can have on participants. Her willingness to revisit this trauma publicly has resonated with many viewers and sparked important conversations about accountability in the industry.

The details

In the Netflix docuseries, Sullivan revisits a traumatic incident that occurred during her time on 'America's Next Top Model' in 2004, when she was sexually assaulted during a cast trip to Milan. Sullivan says the production did not properly intervene or support her, and instead positioned the event as an 'affair,' leading to her being labeled a 'cheater' on the show. Now, over 20 years later, Sullivan is reclaiming her narrative and sharing her full experience, which she says she has never changed.

  • Sullivan appeared on 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 2 in 2004.
  • The Netflix docuseries 'Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model' premiered in 2026.

The players

Shandi Sullivan

A Park Slope resident and former contestant on 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 2, who is the subject of the Netflix docuseries 'Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model.'

Tyra Banks

The host of 'America's Next Top Model,' who delivered a stern message to the contestants following the incident involving Sullivan.

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What they’re saying

“I really struggled at first when they asked me to do the documentary. I was like, I don't know if I want to do it. I'm probably just going to cry the whole time because I know what they're going to want to talk about. And that's exactly what happened. I cried the whole time.”

— Shandi Sullivan (Brooklyn Paper)

“The thing that I've been seeing a lot of people saying is that I've changed my story after all these years, which is not the case. I've never changed my story. I just finally was able to tell everyone what happened to me behind the scenes.”

— Shandi Sullivan (Brooklyn Paper)

What’s next

Sullivan hopes to use the funds raised through her GoFundMe to create an animal sanctuary in Brooklyn, focusing on elderly and special-needs cats.

The takeaway

Sullivan's willingness to revisit her traumatic experience on 'America's Next Top Model' and share her full story has resonated with many viewers, sparking important conversations about accountability and support in the reality TV industry. Despite the challenges, Sullivan remains passionate about her Brooklyn community and her dream of opening an animal sanctuary.