More than 20 years after one of reality television’s most replayed moments, Tiffany Richardson is speaking out again — and this time, she’s not holding back.
The former America’s Next Top Model contestant is calling out Tyra Banks following the release of Netflix’s new docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, which revisits the now-viral “We were all rooting for you!” confrontation from Cycle 4.
In the original 2005 episode, Banks erupted at Richardson after eliminating her from the competition. The moment — which has since lived on as a meme — showed Banks telling her, “I have never in my life yelled at a girl like this,” before delivering the now-iconic line: “I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you!”
The Netflix docuseries reexamines the scene, with former judge Jay Manuel describing it as one of the hardest days he experienced on set. He suggested that what viewers saw was only part of what happened and said there were comments made in the room that he would “probably never repeat.” According to Manuel, production staff eventually removed Banks from the set after filming resumed.
Banks also reflects on the moment in the docuseries, acknowledging that she “lost it.” She said her reaction wasn’t just about Richardson, but about larger frustrations — including pressure, criticism and the weight she felt representing Black women in the industry. “It was probably bigger than Tiffany,” Banks explained, suggesting that the moment was tied to broader societal expectations and scrutiny.
Richardson, however, sees it very differently.
In a since-deleted Instagram post shared after the docuseries premiered, Richardson accused Banks of misrepresenting what happened. She alleged that she was treated harshly both on and off camera and called Banks a “bully.” Richardson also claimed the argument was edited in a way that made it appear more compassionate than she believes it actually was.
Photo: @tiffanythegoat1
This isn’t the first time Richardson has revisited the incident. In a 2017 interview, she detailed additional remarks she says were made during that exchange — including comments about her personal life and her son — and described the experience as humiliating.
The renewed attention around the moment has reignited debate about how early 2000s reality television treated young contestants, particularly Black women. At the time, ANTM was praised for expanding representation in fashion. But critics have since revisited certain storylines, eliminations and confrontations through a more critical lens.
The Netflix docuseries has prompted broader conversations about power dynamics in reality TV, editing practices and the emotional toll of competitive formats.
As for Richardson, her message is clear: she hasn’t forgotten — and she wants the full story acknowledged.
Neither Banks nor Netflix have publicly responded to Richardson’s latest comments beyond what appears in the docuseries.
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