Former America's Next Top Model creative director Jay Manuel says he was 'too scared' to speak up

He says he was 'so, so, so uncomfortable' with photo shoot where contestants had to swap races

Jay Manuel says he was scared to speak up during ANTM (Getty)

Former America’s Next Top Model creative director Jay Manuel has opened up about being afraid to intervene and speak up during problematic moments on the show.

In the past month, resurfaced clips from the show have been met with criticism, with viewers accusing Tyra Banks and the show’s judges of body-shaming and racial insensitivity.

According to Manuel, there were some scenes in particular that made him “uncomfortable,” including one from cycle five that saw Banks encourage a gay contestant to tone down her sexual identity.

“I was in the room, and I was sitting right next to her. I remember feeling a little uncomfortable with the statement,” Manuel told Variety. “...we ask these girls to come in the room and the producers remind the girls before they come in: ‘Tell them who you are. You’re not just a pretty face. You have to have a discussion about who you are.’

“These girls are coached to speak their truth and tell Tyra who they are, and then Tyra said that, so it seemed a bit unfair.”

During the interview, Manuel, who has a new novel loosely based on the modelling reality show titled: The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown coming out, also recalled one moment during the show where he voiced his concerns - when the models were asked to pose as different races, which including using blackface.

“I do remember, and it was very uncomfortable for me, in cycle four, it was a photo shoot where the girls had to swap races. I was so, so, so uncomfortable with this,” the 47-year-old said, adding that he was afraid it would look like it was his idea because he was the creative director.

“That swapped race was a layer added in. 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,” he continued.

According to Manuel, during the 18 seasons he worked on the show, he was not the only one who became afraid to object - as he recalled “several producers, not just myself, became very scared to speak up”.

Manuel also told the outlet that he does not think the excuse “it was a different time” makes the racially insensitive behaviour justifiable.

“I disagree with that statement of people saying it was a different time. I really do. It didn’t fly then. That wasn’t cool in 2004,” he said.

Despite his criticism of the show, Manuel said he has “nothing but respect” for Banks, who he says he no longer has a relationship with.

“The fashion industry is a difficult industry,” he added.

Earlier this month, Banks acknowledged the criticism and “insensitivity” of the show on Twitter, where she wrote: “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.

“Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending you so much love and virtual hugs.”

The Independent has contacted CW for comment.