Former contestants from the long-running reality television series “America’s Next Top Model” have taken their concerns directly to California lawmakers, seeking legislative protections for participants in reality television programming.
Five women who appeared on the modeling competition series met with members of the California state legislature this week to advocate for stronger safeguards. The group includes Jeana Turner, Brittany Hatch, Sarah VonderHaar, Giselle Samson, and Sarah Hartshorne, all of whom shared their experiences from their time on the program.
Turner addressed the gravity of their mission in a public statement. “This is no longer just about telling our stories. It is about making sure what happened on ‘ANTM’ does not further perpetuate to affecting the next generation of girls just chasing a dream or any reality TV contestant,” she said.
The legislative push follows the release of a documentary series that examines behind-the-scenes controversies during the production of “America’s Next Top Model.” The three-part series, titled “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” began streaming Monday and has reignited discussions about treatment of reality television participants.
The documentary features allegations of various improprieties, including claims of sexual harassment and body-shaming incidents. One segment highlights an interaction between host Tyra Banks and contestant Danielle Evans regarding a dental procedure, with Banks questioning whether Evans could secure a modeling contract without addressing a gap between her teeth.
Turner emphasized the collective nature of their advocacy efforts. “I say this with the utmost seriousness. This is not just one person speaking out. This is multiple women speaking out. We are so much stronger in numbers, and we are pushing for real accountability and real change.”
The California state legislature has not yet issued a public response to the meeting or the specific protections being sought by the former contestants.
This development represents a broader conversation about the reality television industry and the treatment of participants who often sign extensive contracts before appearing on camera. The women’s advocacy raises questions about oversight in an entertainment sector that has grown substantially since “America’s Next Top Model” first aired two decades ago.
The timing of their legislative outreach, coinciding with renewed public attention from the documentary, suggests a strategic effort to capitalize on heightened awareness of these issues. Whether California lawmakers will introduce specific legislation addressing reality television participant protections remains to be seen.
The entertainment industry has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding workplace conditions and participant treatment across various formats. This latest effort by former reality show contestants may signal a turning point in how such programming is regulated and monitored.
As the discussion continues, the fundamental question remains whether the state will intervene in what has largely been a self-regulated industry, and what form such protections might take if legislation moves forward.
Related: Former Prince Andrew Arrested in Connection with Epstein Investigation
