Was America’s Next Top Model groundbreaking television… or televised trauma?

This week on Raised by Her, we break down the explosive three-part documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model and the cultural reckoning surrounding Tyra Banks and ANTM.

We unpack:

• Tyra’s defensive response to the documentary
• The infamous “Italy incident” involving Shandi
• The controversial forced dental work (“gap tooth” makeover)
• Why ANTM winners struggled to book real modeling jobs
• The exit of the “Jays” and Nigel Barker
• And whether reality TV crossed ethical lines in the name of ratings

Then we pivot to another viral headline: reports that ASAP Rocky pays 100% of Rihanna’s household expenses. Does a billionaire need a “provider”? We explore 2026 financial data, relationship economics, and the racial dynamics shaping modern dating expectations.

Finally, we close with a heartfelt tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, reflecting on his civil rights leadership, impact on broadcast ownership, and the enduring message to “Keep Hope Alive.”

This episode is about accountability, power, money, media, and staying authentic in a culture that often demands performance.

Timestamps:

0:00 We’re Blessed and Highly Favored: Weekly Catch-up
0:26 Why Everyone Is Talking About the ANTM Documentary
1:42 Tyra’s Founder Journey & the UPN Near-Miss
2:31 Was Tyra Unprepared for the Interview?
7:44 The Shandi Italy Incident Explained
14:23 Did Tyra Exploit the Models Twice?
19:04 The “Gap Tooth” Makeover Controversy
26:10 Why ANTM Winners Didn’t Get Booked
34:58 The Exit of the Jays & Nigel Barker
41:42 Mixing Business and Friendship
49:56 Tyra’s Ice Cream Pivot
51:57 Rihanna & ASAP Rocky: Modern Provider Debate
56:22 Race, Money & Dating in 2026
1:00:47 Tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson

🎤 New episodes every week. Honest conversations between mother and daughter on family, womanhood, and navigating life across generations.

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