Jay Manuel says he wanted to leave ‘toxic’ America’s Next Top Model
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America's Next Top Model documentary lifts the lid on 'horrific' tv moments
Jay Manuel, the long-serving creative director for America's Next Top Model, claims host Tyra Banks 'iced him out' after he expressed a desire to leave the show.
Manuel stated he wanted to depart the programme due to its 'toxic culture' which was 'chipping away at his soul', a revelation made in the new Netflix series 'Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model'.
After Manuel emailed Banks about his intention to leave, she responded with 'I am disappointed', and subsequent direct communication between them ceased.
He described the working environment with Banks afterwards as 'psychological torture' but felt compelled to stay for 18 seasons, fearing he would be blacklisted in the industry.
Manuel, along with other judges, was eventually dropped from the show in 2012, and he claims they were not afforded the grace of a joint press release, instead learning of their departure through news outlets.
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