Jay Manuel Reflects on His Past Friendship with Tyra Banks
In the Netflix docuseries “Reality Check,” Jay Manuel opens up about his past friendship with Tyra Banks, which has significantly deteriorated since their time on “America’s Next Top Model.” The disintegration of their relationship became apparent after the conclusion of cycle eight.
Friendship Fallout
After the competition ended, Manuel expressed his desire to leave the show. However, Banks reportedly discouraged him from doing so. This led Manuel to fear potential repercussions in the industry, particularly being blacklisted.
Tyra Banks’ Response
The docuseries sought to address the falling out, but Banks avoided the topic, hinting instead that she planned to call Manuel. However, he noted that he has yet to receive any communication from her. “My phone number is the same. She knows it,” he stated during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Current Status of Their Relationship
- Last communicated with Banks in 2017.
- Manuel expressed indifference about never speaking to her again.
- He claimed, “I don’t miss our friendship.”
Other members of the “Top Model” team like Miss J. Alexander also shared their frustrations. Alexander mentioned a conversation where Banks expressed the intention to visit him. However, that visit has yet to materialize, leading to skepticism about her commitment.
Support Among Peers
Despite the fallout with Banks, Manuel, Alexander, and photographer Nigel Barker remain close. They use each other as a support system to navigate the complexities stemming from their experiences on the show.
In summary, the deterioration of Jay Manuel’s friendship with Tyra Banks highlights the complexities of relationships formed in the competitive world of reality television. Manuel’s openness about his feelings represents a significant shift from their once-close bond.
