Tyra Banks launched a bombshell lawsuit against Netflix over its “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” documentary in June 2026. Several days later, it was announced that the 52-year-old would be joining “Project Runway” as a judge for its 22nd season. Now, she is opening up about why she needed the gig amid a difficult time in her life.
Freeform announced on June 18 that Banks would appear on season 22 of “Project Runway” as a recurring judge. This news came after the former “America’s Next Top Model” host served as a guest judge on the previous season of the hit competition design series.
Banks took to Instagram in July 2026 to discuss her addition to “Project Runway,” first revealing that she was approached to do the show “late last year,” but initially had reservations about joining. Regarding why she ultimately decided to become a recurring judge, she first listed the fact that Heidi Klum serves as the host.
She continued, “And it was at a time when I needed that because I was going through a lot, so I stepped on that set the first day, and I was nervous.”
Tyra Says Being On Set Helped Her
Banks continued discussing “Project Runway” and how whatever she was going through in her life at the time made her nervous, even though this had never been the case for her. According to the fashion icon, “But there was so much going in my head. So much that I was going through.”
Banks added, “But that set was everything. Everybody was so warm and kind, and seeing Heidi’s face gave me peace.” After that, she began to discuss her fashion for the premiere episode, noting that her stylist told her, “We need to bring something exciting that catches people’s eye.”
The ensemble included a tan shirt, a corset, and a bird necklace. She described the necklace, saying, “It was a statement, and it was so beautiful.”
Fans Are Rallying Around Tyra Banks
Following Banks’ comments about the difficult times she’s faced in the recent past, social media users are defending her legacy despite some of her antics from the “America’s Next Top Model” Days.
One person wrote, “The Tyra Banks disrespect needs to stop, like come on now.. It’s TYRA BANKS.” Someone else said, “She’s still mother Barbie; she looks amazing. I don’t know what it is, but she looks five years younger.”
However, not all “Project Runway” fans are in favor of the beloved supermodel joining the show. One X user said, “That bully continues to be on a whiny, ‘whoa is me’ tour and isn’t going to let up until she’s washed away all of the negative press from people revisiting and critiquing her behavior on ‘America’s Next Top Model.’”
A different commenter said, “She wants to rehab her image from ANTM.” Someone else stated, “Tyra tarnished her legendary image, but she’ll be forgiven momentarily!! The best thing for her would be to lay low for a minute, or so, then return like a humble Phoenix!!”
Additionally, other social media users called for the return of “America’s Next Top Model.”
‘Project Runway’ Has A Stacked Judging Panel
According to PEOPLE, the main judges for “Project Runway” season 22 are Klum, Law Roach and Nina Garcia. Christian Siriano, who won the show’s fourth season, is returning as a mentor.
In addition to Banks recurring on the show, the guest judges for the season include Ciara, Fausto Puglisi, Ice Spice, Iman, Kiernan Shipka, Niecy Nash, Nina Dobrev, Sergio Hudson, Willy Chavarria, and Winnie Harlow.
“Project Runway” airs on Freeform before premiering on Hulu and Disney+ the following day.
Tyra Is Suing Netflix For Defamation
According to PBS, Banks launched her lawsuit against Netflix on June 13 for defamation and breach of contract. In it, the supermodel claims she sat for a more-than-three-hour interview during the documentary’s filming. However, only 16 minutes made it into the final cut for “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.”
Her attorneys said in the legal filing, “The accountability Ms. Banks took ended up on the cutting room floor. It was there, but viewers were never given the opportunity to see it.” The suit also accused Netflix and the documentary’s producers of using “selective editing.”
Banks is seeking damages and wants a jury to determine the amount she’s owed.