What happened with Tyra Banks and Jay Manuel? Rift explained amid documentary release 

When Jay Manuel chose to leave America's Next Top Model in 2007 after serving as a creative director, Tyra Banks had only three words: "I am disappointed." This, according to Manuel, was the end of their friendship.

During an appearance on Netflix docuseries Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, which released on February 16, Jay Manuel revealed that despite being very close to Tyra Banks, the creator of the series, her reaction to his exit was disheartening.

Jay Manuel was Tyra Banks' makeup artist and friend. When Banks created ANTM, she offered Manuel the role of creative director. In the docuseries, Manuel opened up about their friendship and said,

"She spent a lot of time at my house, sleeping over. When I went to L.A., I'd spend time at her house. You start sharing secrets. You're very much in each other's world."

Jay Manuel talks about quitting ANTM amid his rift with Tyra Banks

Jay Manuel mentioned that as the show neared cycle 8, things began to change in a way he had never expected. Manuel mentioned that controversial ideas came to the forefront to keep the show engaging and entertaining, and no longer resonated with Manuel's idea of helping change the fashion world.

"It was time to tell Tyra that I wanted to leave the show."

Manuel mentioned that he wanted to break the news to Banks first to honor a pact they made early on. Since Manuel did not want to upset Tyra Banks, he "tortured himself" over the decision and eventually sent out a message explaining that he was ready to move on. After three days, Banks responded with, "I am disappointed."

"After that email exchange, all communication just stopped.'

Manuel mentioned that his attorneys were contacted by business affairs, who requested him to stay for one more cycle. Manuel eventually agreed and returned to Cycle 9, only for Banks to refuse to talk to him and only communicate when the cameras were rolling.

Manuel continued the show until Cycle 18, and then was unceremoniously fired. In August, 2020, Manuel released a book titled The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown, inspired by his time on the reality show. Manuel focused a satirical look at the behind-the-scenes of the show.

Jay Manuel's book release came during a time when Tyra Banks was receiving backlash for resurfaced clips of ANTM during the lockdown. In May, 2020, Banks tweeted that she agrees with the criticism and appreciated the "honest feedback."

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