Tag: tyra banks
ANTM’s Jay Manuel Breaks Silence on Why He Left, Talks Relationship With Tyra and Current Backlash
“It became a culture where you could only speak your mind so much.”
Jay Manuel is dishing out enough “America’s Next Top Model” dirt, one can’t help but “smize.”
During an interview with Variety, the former “ANTM” creative director broke his silence on why he left the show, talked “uncomfortable” moments while filming, gave his take on the recent backlash from problematic clips resurfacing and revealed where he stands with Tyra Banks.
“Over the past few years, we’ve emailed,” Jay said of Tyra, noting the last time they saw each other was at BeautyCon in 2017. “To be very honest, we really have no relationship to speak of, which is really sad. Our time together on ‘ANTM’ was amazingly productive and, at times, magical. We got to experience being part of a global phenomenon.”
As for the recent criticisms of commentary by Tyra and other judges on the show being out-of-touch, Jay said he could see both sides of the coin.
Last week, “ANTM” came under fire after old clips went viral claiming to showcase racial insensitivity, body shaming and other apparent improprieties.
One video showeds the panel of judges scolding contestant Danielle “Dani” Evans for refusing to get the gap in her front teeth filled back in 2006, as they announced it would leave her “unmarketable.”
Another put a spotlight on judges telling contestant Toccaro she had to lose 150 pounds to be considered a model.
And the producers encouraged a contestant to pose in a grave after receiving news of her best friend’s death in yet another old clip.
“I do think it’s a little unfair for people to persecute Tyra now, especially because she has already taken heat for her past executive decisions in past years,” Jay told Variety. “However, I can’t really defend her either because when ratings were high and things were great, she remained a clear figurehead, because it was her show.”
“Consistently, when s–t hit the fan and people wanted to talk about some of the things that were said on the show, we would have another singular EP come forward to claim that all creative decisions were made as the team, and I really wish that were the case, but that just simply is not true,” he added.
One of the moments that drew the biggest online ire was when the show appeared to promote blackface, which Jay said he witnessed personally.
“I do remember, and it was very uncomfortable for me, in Cycle 4, it was a photoshoot where the girls had to swap races,” he began. “I was so, so, so uncomfortable with this. I was never scripted for my intros or anything, and I didn’t know how I was going to be able to set this up — I was so afraid that I would wear this because I was the creative director, but it was not my idea.”
“That swapped race was a layer added in,” he continued. “It was supposed to be a different concept. I remember that very, very clearly. I was basically told that I had to execute the creative, and it made me very uncomfortable.”
On Friday, Tyra spoke out about the backlash, tweeting, “Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you. Looking back, those were some really off choices.”
The show’s co-creator, Ken Mok, also tweeted that the clips were cringe-worthy, but added, “Just a FYI — the entire creative team made the choices on those shows — not just Tyra.”
TooFab has previously contacted reps for Tyra regarding the show clips.
Meanwhile, according to Jay, Ken’s statement was a bit misleading.
“I think it’s a little unfair to throw the whole team under the bus,” he said during the interview. “The whole team wasn’t there on the front side when they were making decisions about the show in its heyday. The team wasn’t really supported, so to speak.”
Finally, Jay cleared up any rumors of why he left the show after 18 seasons, as many fans believed he had a fallout with Tyra and was fired.
“When we parted ways, I had already completed my contract after Cycle 18 with no plans to return for Cycle 19, and that’s something that people don’t know,” he dished. “It was 100% my decision to leave the show, as I was ready to move my career in a different direction, but unfortunately at the time, my departure was misreported to the press, and contractually, I could not speak about leaving the show.”
“Now, I can speak about it, so I can be clear that my departure from the show was one of choice.”
Moving his career in a different direction has found Jay releasing his first novel, “The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown,” which was inspired by his time on “ANTM.”
“I wanted this book to entertain and that’s why I used satire, and had a lot of fun with it,” Jay told Variety. “All of the characters in the book took on a life of their own and were just inspired by people in my life, but we write what we know and, as they say, art imitates life — and is often larger than life.”
“The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown” sashays onto book shelves on August 3.
Article via TooFab
Tyra Banks Reveals She Is ‘Working on Life-Size 3’
Tyra Banks Reveals She Is ‘Working on Life-Size 3’
Nicholas RicePeopleFebruary 24, 2020
Twenty years after Life-Size was released, Tyra Banks says a third film is in the works!
The actress and model revealed during a guest appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that she is currently “working on Life-Size 3.”
Banks, 46, was a guest on Andy Cohen’s show Sunday night alongside Real Housewives of Atlanta star Eva Marcille — who got her start by winning the third cycle of America’s Next Top Model — when a guest called in to ask the former ANTM host about her future endeavors.
After revealing the Life-Size 3 news to an uproar of applause from the studio audience, Banks went on to share that she is also working on a “huge Broadway play” — she wouldn’t say if she would appear in it — as well as a comic to go along with Modelland, Banks’ upcoming model-themed amusement park.
Banks first starred in the original Life-Size in 2000 alongside Lindsay Lohan before she brought back her iconic character, Eve, many years later in 2018 for a sequel.
The original Life-Size followed a young girl (played by Lohan) who saw her toy doll transform into a real woman after a wish gone wrong. The follow-up film featured Banks reprising her role, this time lending a (plastic) hand to a young CEO of a toy company struggling with her job.
Around the time of the Life-Size 2 premiere, Banks was asked about the potential of turning Life-Size into a trilogy when a fan asked, “Will there be a life size 3” during a Twitter Q&A.
The legendary supermodel responded in riddle, telling the Twitter user, “one, and done. two, thanks to you. three – we’ll see?”
At the end of Life-Size 2, Eve seemingly got her happy ending, which may leave one to wonder what direction a sequel would go in.
Cameron Fay, one of the second film’s writers, told TVLine that Hyde, Eve’s chef boyfriend-turned-doll, and his new life in Sunnyvale could certainly use some explaining.
“Do you think Hyde thought everything through before agreeing to go with Eve?” TVLine’s Andy Swift asked Fay.
Article via Yahoo
‘Ultimate modeling fantasy’: Tyra Banks’ ModelLand theme park has $1,495 tickets
Tyra Banks is opening a first-of-its-kind modeling theme park – but it will cost you.
The model, television personality and businesswoman, 46, is launching ModelLand an attraction in Santa Monica, California, that will “emulate a fantasy version of the modeling world with state-of-the-art interactive entertainment where beauty, fashion, tech, theatre, retail and an eating extravaganza collide,” her website describes.
Visitors can live their “ultimate modeling fantasy,” a press release explains, with the 21,000-square-foot, multi-level, story-driven attraction that features fashion, photo shoots, shopping and more.
Tickets, which went on sale Monday, are available beginning on May 1, when the attraction opens. Santa Monica is the first and permanent location, but there are plans for more locations worldwide.
If you want the ultimate experience, which Banks calls the “Fantascene Dream” ticket, it will set you back $1,495 (excluding a $4.20, $36.49 or $98.85 transaction fee, depending on ticket level), according to the attraction’s website.
The top-tier experience will let you experience your fantasy photo shoot in first class. You get veiled VIP seating, personal consultation with a ModelLand fashion and beauty expert (prior to your arrival), hand-crafted “ModelLand elixir” and assorted truffles, additional wardrobe changes, additional photographs from the shoot, a model goodies gift bag, a custom curated row for Instagram and more.
If you’re looking for a stepped-down version, you can get the $549 “Fantascene Photoshoot” package, which gets you the basic version of the top-tier experience, including a photo shoot conceived by Banks, magazine-quality photos, a professional make-up look, couture hair styling and wardrobe styling. This level also includes a signature blood orange beverage and tasty treats.
Still not sold on the price? The least-expensive entry is $59 for “General Access” or $39 for a child’s ticket (ages 3 to 12).
This ticket will get you a personalized digital look book with photos of you, access to an immersive theater, access to shop the ModelLand closets, posing tips and tricks and more.
Both higher-tier tickets will also get you access to everything included in the general admission.
Article via USAToday
Tyra Banks Declares It’s ‘Payback Time’ In Passionate Video About The Dark Side Of Modeling
Tyra Banks has long fought against the cookie-cutter beauty standards of the fashion and modeling industry, but in 2020 the model is fed up. The 46-year-old released a passionate video where she shouted out all the things she hated about the industry, and every pain she had felt over her 28 years in the industry. The model encouraged her fans to do the same, and to make videos shouting at whoever caused them pain in order to turn it into strength. The video was released to promote Tyra’s new venture “ModelLand,” an inclusive model-themed interactive entertainment park that is set to open in late 2020.
Tyra Banks Talks Being In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship
Supermodel Tyra Banks is opening up on Sunday’s episode of Uncensored where she speaks about being in an emotionally abusive relationship. Though the mother of one didn’t state who she was speaking about in the show’s video preview, she did say it involved an ex whom she was in a long-term relationship with.
Speaking in the video preview, Tyra stated the following.
“I remember being kind of judgmental for women that were in bad relationships. And I’m just like, ‘Get out. Come on, like what are you doing? Leave him! I don’t get it.’ Until I experienced it myself. I was in a relationship for many years, and we probably broke up 14-15times. There were things that he said and made me feel like, I couldn’t leave, or if I left I had to go back.”
Tyra did a good job of hiding that she was going through so much when she was in the relationship. You may see the video preview with Tyra Banks in the player below.
Tyra Banks has a three-year-old son, York Banks Asla, with her ex-boyfriend Erik Asla. It’s still unknown if Tyra was specifically referring to Erik or another ex-boyfriend from her past. Tyra opened up about a very emotional time in her life and touched on a few points in the preview.
First, Tyra explained that she never understood fully what women in abusive relationships go through or why it is so hard to leave until she was in an abusive relationship herself. She isn’t alone in her sentiments as most women who are in similar situations would readily agree that they never saw themselves being a victim or staying in a relationship that isn’t positive or helpful.
Tyra also made it clear that the abuse was only emotional and never physical. She stated the following.
“He never hit me, but I would say there were blows to my spirit, blows to my emotional well-being every day. He was a master at being able to be happy and nice to everybody else but whispering these negative things to me.”
What do you think of Tyra Banks openness about what she went through? Are you going to watch Tyra Banks on Uncensored Sunday?
Article via CelebrityInsider
Rihanna’s Mini Look-Alike, Ala’a Skyy Scores Her First Official Modeling Gig After Nabbing Tyra Banks Audition
Update 8/6/19—- Model opportunities prove to be endless for Ala’a Skyy! Since we last reported the exciting news that Rihanna‘s miniature twin was summoned by supermodel Tyra Banks to audition for her ModelLand amusement park, the 7-year-old cutie landed her first modeling campaign with curl beauty brand, The Mane Choice!
“Be prepared to receive exactly what you put out into the universe! Nothing happens by accident! It’s all apart of #GodsPlan,” Ala’a captioned a video on Instagram while showing off Mane Choice‘s Tropical Moringa hair products.
“One day you are using your favorite products because you love them and the next day you are using your favorite products and become their newest ambassador at the same time,” the caption read. “Dreams really do come true, if you believe YOU deserve them!”
Ala’a added, “Thank you @TheManeChoice for picking me and thank you @CourtneyAdeleye for flying me out to Las Vegas to see you and giving me one on one PRICELESS mentorship! I am so blessed beyond measure!”
In a perfect cliffhanger, Rih’s look-alike concluded the post saying, “I can’t wait to share with you all a BIG surprise!”
Read more via BET
Check out some Lovelyti videos:
Kylie UNFOLLOWS Rihanna on Instagram after their fans start a messy MAKE UP WAR!
Azealia Banks Calls Rihanna A Pill Popper And Says Her ‘Work’ Music Video is BORING
Black Twitter Drags Rihanna For Saying Rachel Dolezal Is ‘A Bit Of A Hero’
Tyra Banks Reveals Why She Came Out of Retirement for ‘SI Swimsuit’ 2019 (Full Interview)
ET spoke to supermodel Tyra Banks about returning to modeling under the name ‘Banx’s on the cover of ‘Sports Illustrated’s 2019 Swimsuit Edition.
Tyra Banks is creating a tech-driven attraction called Modelland
Article via TechCrunch
Tyra Banks, the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur, has unveiled her latest venture. Dubbed Modelland, the in-person theme park-like experience will bring technology to the forefront, Banks told TechCrunch over the phone last week.
“We’re very open to partnering with and having integrations with different brands that bring technology to the forefront and make sure what we’re providing in Modelland are things you cannot do on your phone,” she told me.
The attraction will combine fantasy with interactive entertainment (think some augmented reality and virtual reality), as well as what people have come to expect from theme parks: food, events and shopping. While it’s called Modelland, Banks said it’s geared toward the masses and aims to celebrate all expressions of beauty.
“I am being very deliberate to make sure this is something families can come to,” Banks said. “I’m not creating this to service people who want to become models or are models.”
Modelland’s ultimate purpose is to continue to help redefine standards of beauty — no matter what your age, race, body size and so forth.
“I’m happy to see the world is much more celebrating of different types of beauty,” she said. “I think Modelland can be the next iteration of that.”
Modelland is slated to open later this year in Santa Monica, Calif.
Check out some Lovelyti videos:
Tyra Banks surprises EVERYONE by announcing the birth of her baby boy via Instagram
Life-Size 2 Will Reunite Tyra Banks and Lindsay Lohan
It seems as though all of our childhoods are being brought back around.
Lindsay Lohan’s movies are some of the most important parts of our our childhood and preteen years. Now, in December Life Size 2 will premiere, 18 years after the first movie aired.
it has Tyra Banks back in the lead as a life-size doll that comes to life. The model-turned-actress is promising that her original co-star Lindsay Lohan will be showing up too.
Tyra Banks is excited to be returning to the fictional town of Sunnyvale in Life-Size 2. She stars as Eve, a living doll who has already dabbled in a medical career, aerospace design and the fashion industry, really giving Barbie a run for her money. Banks had this to say about the unexpected sequel that most fans didn’t even really know they wanted.
The original premiered as a Disney Channel original movie way back in 2000. Lindsay Lohan was just getting started, starring as Casey Stuart, a girl who transformers her favorite doll into the perfect living, breathing, thinking woman. Banks was initially disappointed that Lohan couldn’t return for the sequel. Even though the actress turned international resort owner and future MTV star had expressed a deep interest in being in the movie. Banks says this.
“She has this new TV show on MTV about this club so she couldn’t make it, which was sad. [Lindsay] will be in the movie in some kind of way. We’ll see where that ends up.”
Though Lindsay Lohan wasn’t around for initial shooting, she will be participating in the movie. Banks has a new co-star to contend with this time around too. Grown-ish star Francia Raisa will be stepping in to occupy some of the space left by Lohan. And apparently, Banks and Raisa really hit it off. Tyra goes onto say this.
“We went to a spa together before we started shooting and that really bonded us. That girl can act, it’s in her eyes.”
Life-Sized 2 won’t be debuting on the Disney Channel. Instead, it will be part of Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas line-up, hinting at a Christmas themed story this time around. While talking about Life-Size 2 with The Hollywood Reporter, Tyra Banks also revealed that, should her long-running reality competition series America’s Next Top Model return for another season, it will probably mark the beginning of the end. She says this about wanting to bring it all to a close with this next possible run of episodes.
“I wonder, should I stop at [season] 25? Because I don’t want it to stop at, like, 29. You know what I mean? You want it to stop at a round number.”
Tyra Banks went onto say that the original Life-Size theme song is going to be revamped for the sequel. She didn’t provide any more info on Lindsay Lohan’s return, but it sounds like it might be nothing more than a glamorized cameo. Well, us Life-Size fans will take what we can get.
Article via: Life-Size 2 Will Reunite Tyra Banks and Lindsay Lohan