Kelly Cutrone Fires Back at Jay Manuel Over ANTM Drama

Kelly Cutrone, a well‑known fashion publicist who judged America’s Next Top Model from cycles 18 to 22, recently responded to Jay Manuel’s criticism of Tyra Banks in the Netflix docuseries “Reality Check. ” Manuel said that after cycle 8 he wanted to leave the show and that Banks ignored him on set. He also claimed that Banks treated him coldly afterward. Cutrone disagreed strongly. She posted a comment on Instagram that called Manuel’s claims “untrue” and accused him of not having any real fashion experience. In her reply, Cutrone mocked Manuel’s background, noting that he had worked at a cosmetics counter in Toronto before being promoted to the show. She suggested his recent book about Banks was a failed attempt to stay relevant. She also said Manuel was rude on his first day, calling her “ejector seat” and implying he would be fired. Cutrone added that Manuel’s appearance in the docuseries was awkward, joking about a future spokesperson role for spray tanning. Other former contestants have spoken up too. Ambreal Williams said Manuel was dismissive of her after cycle 9, while Sarah Hartshorne wrote that he didn’t get along with anyone. Hartshorne’s book described how Manuel ignored her and rolled his eyes at a photographer while showing off an iPhone.Manuel’s own story in the series explains that he was let go after cycle 18, along with photographer Nigel Barker and runway coach Miss J. Alexander. He claims a leak about their firing caused trouble before the official announcement. He also says he was left out of conversations with Banks after telling her he wanted to leave, and that this made him feel doomed for the rest of the cycle. Tyra Banks herself appeared in “Reality Check” and said she would prefer not to discuss Manuel. She called him a special man but did not elaborate on the conflict. The docuseries also features other contestants who discuss controversial shoots, such as models asked to portray different races, and allegations of sexual harassment. Banks has previously denied putting models in blackface for such shoots and admitted she sometimes went “too far. ” Cutrone faced criticism when a former contestant, Louise Watts, said she was told to stop running on set. Cutrone defended her decision, saying it is standard in the industry and that Watts had no respect for hierarchy. Watts claimed the editing made it seem like a quick argument, but she said it was actually longer. Banks has spoken publicly about her legacy on the show, saying she made mistakes but also helped bring diverse models into mainstream fashion. She said she will not let her reputation be defined by online rumors, noting that the show has changed the world over 24 cycles.