Netflix Files Motion to Dismiss Tyra Banks Defamation Suit

Netflix has filed a motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by supermodel Tyra Banks, arguing that her claims against the streaming service and a documentary series are without merit and stem from standard editorial decisions. The legal move was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, August 14, 2026, seeking to throw out the suit Banks initiated in June.

The lawsuit centers on the three-part docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model," released in February. Banks, who created, hosted, and executive produced the long-running reality show, alleged in her complaint that the documentary was edited to create a "false and defamatory portrayal." Specifically, she claimed the series manipulated footage to suggest she was insensitive to allegations of sexual assault involving former contestant Shandi Sullivan and that it portrayed her as having no memory of the incident.

In its 28-page motion, Netflix vigorously defended the program and its directors, Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan. The company's lawyers argued that Banks' dissatisfaction with the resulting portrayal does not constitute defamation. They emphasized that Banks understood editorial discretion...