More than a decade after his unexpected exit from “America’s Next Top Model,” Nigel Barker is setting the record straight about where things stand with Tyra Banks today — and the update might surprise fans.
Following the release of Netflix’s “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” Barker opened up about his relationship with Banks during a Feb. 17 appearance on “The Viall Files.” The longtime judge revealed that despite the headlines surrounding his 2012 firing, there is no lingering bad blood.
“Tyra and I are still friendly,” Barker shared, noting that they typically speak once or twice a year and keep things cordial when they cross paths at events. While he admitted there were “hairy times” when he left the show, he made it clear that he has long since moved forward.
Barker, who was let go after cycle 18 alongside Miss J Alexander and Jay Manuel, said he was hurt at the time and felt the situation could have been handled differently. Still, he emphasized that he does not revisit the details of his exit with Banks now. “I’m a big boy and life goes on,” he said.
Looking Back Without Resentment
As conversations around “America’s Next Top Model” have resurfaced with the new docuseries, Barker has reflected on his time on the show with perspective.
During his podcast appearance, he explained that while he was aware some contestants had difficult experiences, judges were intentionally kept impartial and not informed about what was happening behind the scenes. Barker said he had no knowledge of events outside of photo shoots and judging panels, and watching the documentary offered what he described as “eye-opening” moments.
He also shared that he would leave the set immediately after filming, almost deliberately, to avoid being pulled into backstage gossip. After watching the series, Barker reached out to Jay Manuel to express that he wished he had known more about what his fellow judge was personally dealing with at the time, per Us Weekly.
In the documentary, Barker, Manuel and Miss J Alexander also addressed the network shakeup that led to their departures. While the trio acknowledged feeling disappointed by how the news unfolded, including reports that they were “fired,” Barker has since described that period as a turning point rather than a permanent setback, according to People.
Life After ‘Top Model’
At the time of his exit, Barker had spent 17 seasons on the series and admitted the transition was difficult. However, he quickly landed a hosting role on Oxygen’s “The Face,” which helped him shift his focus forward.
The docuseries also highlights the lasting bond among the former panelists. Miss J, who suffered a stroke in 2022 that left him in a coma for weeks, revealed that Barker and Manuel visited him during his recovery. He said the reunion brought back memories of their time working together, per People.
Banks, for her part, has said in the documentary that delivering the news of their departures was one of the hardest moments of her career and that the decision ultimately came from higher network executives, per People.
Today, Barker appears at peace with how everything unfolded. He speaks positively about his time on “America’s Next Top Model” and maintains a respectful relationship with Banks.
“Tyra and I are still friendly,” he reiterated.
