'ANTM' judge Kelly Cutrone slams Jay Manuel for criticizing Tyra Banks

Entertainment Weekly • February 24, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Kelly Cutrone, former America's Next Top Model (ANTM) judge, criticized Jay Manuel's recent negative comments about Tyra Banks in the Netflix docuseries Reality Check, questioning Manuel's fashion industry credentials and accusing him of being rude on set.
Jay Manuel, who served as creative director on ANTM until cycle 18, alleged that Banks treated him coldly after he expressed a desire to leave the show, a claim Banks addressed indirectly in the docuseries.
The documentary also features former contestants and insiders discussing various controversies on ANTM, including allegations of racial insensitivity, pressure on models to alter their appearances, and sexual harassment claims.
Cutrone herself faced criticism from cycle 18 contestant Louise Watts over her