A once-strong bond has crumbled. Tyra Banks and Jay Manuel’s Friendship fell apart during their time on America’s Next Top Model. Now, after 14 years, Manuel reveals the painful truth in Netflix’s new documentary.
From Best Friends to Strangers
Banks, 52, and Manuel, 53, were extremely close friends. Moreover, they trusted each other completely. Manuel worked as Banks’ personal makeup artist before joining the show in 2003.
“I considered myself besties with Tyra,” Manuel shared. They spent nights at each other’s homes. Additionally, they shared deep secrets and built a strong personal connection.
The Breaking Point in Cycle 8
However, everything changed during cycle 8. Manuel felt the show’s creative direction was shifting. Furthermore, he struggled with controversial photo shoot ideas that made him uncomfortable.
“It was time to tell Tyra that I wanted to leave the show,” he explained. Consequently, he sent Banks an email thanking her for everything.
Timeline of Events:
| Year | Event | Outcome |
| 2003 | Manuel joins ANTM | Strong friendship |
| 2007 | Cycle 8 – Manuel tries to quit | Banks responds: “I am disappointed” |
| 2008 | Cycle 9 – Manuel returns | Silent treatment begins |
| 2012 | Manuel exits with others | No communication |
| 2017 | BeautyCon meeting | Brief conversation |
The Three-Word Response
Banks took three days to respond. Eventually, she wrote back just three words: “I am disappointed.” After that, all communication stopped completely.
“It should’ve been the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart, but that did not happen,” Manuel revealed.
The Silent Treatment
Nevertheless, network executives convinced Manuel to return for cycle 9. He hoped to repair the relationship. Instead, things got worse.
“Tyra chose not to speak with me at all while the cameras were off,” Manuel explained. Therefore, he described the experience as “mental torture.”
The 2012 Exit Drama
Furthermore, in 2012, Manuel left alongside Miss J Alexander and Nigel Barker. The network called them suddenly to announce their time was over.
What Manuel Claims Happened:
- Network wanted drama for ratings
- All three judges received phone calls
- Media “leak” claimed they were “fired”
- No opportunity to make official statements
“They literally threw us under the bus,” Manuel stated. Meanwhile, the show continued for six more cycles.
Where They Stand Today
Banks declined to discuss the situation in the documentary. She mentioned she “should call” Manuel to talk privately.
“I never got that phone call,” Manuel confirmed. Subsequently, they last spoke briefly at BeautyCon in 2017.
Despite everything, Manuel holds no grudges. “I’m in a healed place,” he said. “I wish her no ill will.”
The Lasting Impact
Tyra Banks and Jay Manuel’s Friendship remains broken after more than a decade. However, Manuel says he’s “very open” to reconnecting if Banks reaches out. Until then, their story serves as a reminder of how professional disagreements can destroy even the closest bonds.
