Responding to a recent rash of criticism of Tyra Banks treatment of “America’s Next Top Model” contestants, the show’s Cycle 1 winner Adrianne Curry-Rhode has stepped up and let people know it’s time for people to let it go.
In a post on Instagram, Curry-Rhode wrote, “This fad of witch hunting people for shit they did over a decade ago is getting REALLY tired. All of you watched it and were ok with it….till 2020? Get a new hobby, guys.”
Recent criticism of “America’s Next Top Model” has centered on an episode in which Danielle “Dani” Evans was pushed to have cosmetic surgery to close the gap in her front teeth. As well, prior stylist Jay Manuel, who is publishing a fictionalized novel of the show, has made some critical comments about some of Banks’ choices.
Curry-Rhode took home the top prize in the 2003 debut season of “America’s Next Top Model” and as part of her winnings was signed to Wilhelmina Models. While she did do some modeling, she became more known for her appearances on several reality shows including one documenting her short-lived marriage with Christopher Knight.
Now retired from modeling and living with her second husband in Whitefish, Montana, Curry-Rhode added, “[Tyra Banks and I] are CLEARLY not friends, but I will say nothing she did was any worse than what I experienced in the modeling/entertainment industry.
“If you go into either expecting to be coddled and uplifted you are a damn fool. If you expect anyone to be honest, you are wrong. Cut throat. That is the name of the game. The whole nonsense about her only targeting certain women for mistreatment is insulting to anyone who walked away from that show feeling mistreated…and probably to her, too.”
Curry-Rhode also credited Banks as an industry pioneer who helped open doors for black women, pointing out her place in history as the first black women to land a solo Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in 1997. Curry-Rhode also noted that in 1996 Banks was the first black women to land a GQ cover
The 37-year-old ex-model also noted the viewers who watched the show and help support its 14-year run deserve some blame, too. Curry Rhode noted, “All of you watched it and helped it become the success it was. You were all complicit in the very things you now decided are so bad. Go rescue animals or help the needy. Take this energy you waste on dumb shit like ‘calling people out’ and apply it to something that actually means something.”
While Curry has written about her own bad experiences as a show contestant (including permanent bald spots) she says she’s long over it. On Instagram she wrote, “I am FINE! I got over that shit 100 years ago. That was 2003! I don’t need an apology and I don’t want one. I don’t need anymore fake bullshit in my life. If anyone deserved to be pissed off about that show…it is me. I’m not. I was once, but if I can get over it…you can too!”
Check out Curry-Rhode’s Instagram post below.
