Nigel Barker doesn’t like former America’s Next Top Model boss Tyra Banks.
The new Netflix doc tackles the show’s controversial history, from body-shaming to “race-swapping” photo shoots to Banks’ infamous “we were all cheering” moment, and includes interviews from Banks, Barker, judges Miss J. Alexander and Jay Manuel, as well as former contestants.
But Barker said the supermodels-turned-hosts are not getting back together.
When Page Six asked Barker if he had contacted his former America’s Next Top Model boss after the dossier, the famed fashion photographer curtly replied, “No.”
However, he said he is “still in touch with over 25 girls who appeared on the show.”
In fact, he said it might be time to “end[the long-running show]”.
Amid chatter about a possible reboot of the long-running modeling competition, Barker, who also hosts “The Face,” suggested he might be more interested in creating something new.
“There’s a mention[of ANTM],” he told us at The Barker Company’s Espresso Martini event held at the Bowtie Bar at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel.
“We haven’t decided whether to do it or not, but we’ve been approached and are talking about several other businesses in the fashion space,” Barker said. “But I don’t know if I’ll do that. Maybe it’s time to put ‘Top Model’ to sleep.”
These days, Barker continues to give modeling advice, especially to his teenage daughter Jasmine, who is just starting out in the industry.
“I can help her, protect her and guide her,” he said.
And industry veterans believe the formula for success has changed. “I think personality is more important than ever,” he told us, stressing the importance of building a strong social media presence and showing viewers “who you are.”
What about red flags? Barker warns aspiring models to avoid agencies that “make you pay for photo shoots or make you pay for an agency.”
In addition to the Netflix documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, E!’s documentary series Dirty Rotten Scandals also has two episodes dedicated to the show.
