The tea round America’s Next Top Model continues to be piping scorching, and due to Netflix’s newest docuseries, it’s spilling in methods followers didn’t count on.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model has reopened previous wounds and now it’s shedding gentle on a deeply private and painful chapter within the lifetime of one of many franchise’s most beloved figures: Miss J Alexander.
As we reported earlier, Miss J just lately revealed that Tyra Banks, the face and power behind ANTM, has not visited him since he suffered a life-threatening stroke in 2022. Yes, she did “attain out,” however in response to Miss J, that outreach by no means became an precise go to. The information got here straight from the supply whereas Miss J stared into the digital camera on Sherri Shepherd’s daytime speak present, letting the silence converse louder than phrases.
Miss J shared that when the stroke first occurred, Tyra advised him she was “in L.A.” and expressed concern, however she by no means got here by. Meanwhile, different trade heavyweights confirmed up in actual life. Miss J confirmed that Angela Bassett, Alfre Woodard, George Lopez, and extra mates made the hassle to see him as he continues his restoration journey. “Ty didn’t,” he stated plainly.
As if witnessing Miss J’s well being battle wasn’t heartbreaking sufficient, information quickly adopted that he now wants public assist to assist cowl the price of restoration. His shut buddy and expertise supervisor, Steven Grossman, has launched a GoFundMe to help with ongoing remedy, specialised care, rehabilitation companies, and every day residing assist. The purpose is $100,000.
To put issues into perspective, Miss J suffered a stroke in 2022 that left him in a coma for 5 months. When he wakened, he couldn’t stroll or converse. He then spent almost a 12 months and a half in a rehabilitation middle, enduring extra mini-strokes, seizures, and 4 extra hospitalizations alongside the way in which.
Staying on the subject of cash, Miss J just lately advised PEOPLE that one in every of his greatest regrets from his time on America’s Next Top Model (the place he coached from 2003 to 2012) is just not asking for “extra money.” The runway coach was on the present for 18 cycles. He coached the fashions on perfecting their runway walks and provided sometimes-biting critiques on their efficiency. After serving to mould generations of fashions and turning into a cultural icon within the course of, that realization hits particularly exhausting now.
Though his supply and critique could really feel robust by right this moment’s requirements and viewers, J famous that his suggestions was all the time meant “with love.”
These days, Miss J says he’s “therapeutic and dealing.” His routine consists of bodily and occupational remedy twice per week, watching TV, doing phrase searches, and streaming previous and new vogue reveals on-line.
With the ANTM docuseries peeling again layers and Miss J’s story now entrance and middle, one factor is evident: the legacy of America’s Next Top Model is difficult, and the human price behind the style is lastly getting the eye it deserves.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is streaming now on Netflix.
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