Jay Manuel is opening up about his once-close relationship with America’s Next Top Model host Tyra Banks, reflecting on their falling out and where things stand today.
The Rift Between Seasons
In a new interview with People, Manuel, 53, revealed that tensions began between Seasons 8 and 9 of the hit reality competition. After emailing Banks to announce his departure and thank her for their time together, he said she responded days later, expressing disappointment.
Despite his intention to leave, Manuel returned for Season 9 at the network’s request. He recalled that Banks “chose not to speak with me at all while the cameras were off. When they were on, she’d speak to me.” He described the experience as “torture,” saying he felt broken by the end of the cycle.
From Makeup Artist to Creative Director
Manuel, originally Banks’s makeup artist, was invited by her to join ANTM as creative director when the show launched. Their collaboration helped shape the series, which ran for 23 seasons and became a cultural phenomenon.
In Netflix’s new documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, Manuel said repairing the friendship is up to Banks. “I never got that phone call. I don’t think I’m getting a phone call. She’s got my number,” he told People.
A Friendship Once Close
Manuel reflected on their bond during the height of ANTM. “Tyra and I were close. When we were in New York or L.A. shooting, she’d be at my house or I’d be at hers, and we would really download,” he said. Despite the fallout, he emphasized that he will never betray her trust. “The things that are those really trusted important things that she has said to me, I will never repeat. I will forever honor my relationship with her in the past.”
Moving Forward
Manuel said he is now in a “healed place” and wishes Banks no ill will. He added that he would be open to speaking with her in the future, signaling that while the friendship may not be what it once was, he holds no resentment.
