Jay Manuel was ‘uncomfortable’ objecting to Tyra Banks on ‘America’s Next Top Model’

Former “America’s Next Top Model” creative director Jay Manuel is speaking up about his experience on the reality show. The makeup artist, 47, has been working on a novel based on his 18 seasons as Tyra Banks‘ right-hand man that includes chapters inspired by iconic “ANTM” moments, like Cycle 4’s, “we were all rooting for …

Former “America’s Next Top Model” creative director Jay Manuel is speaking up about his experience on the reality show.

The makeup artist, 47, has been working on a novel based on his 18 seasons as Tyra Banks‘ right-hand man that includes chapters inspired by iconic “ANTM” moments, like Cycle 4’s, “we were all rooting for you!” scene.

Though Manuel has been working on the book since 2014, the timing couldn’t be better, as criticism of the reality show has recently resurfaced online. And he’s ready to admit that he, too, shared some of viewers’ concerns, but often felt silenced by Banks and co-executive producer Ken Mock.

“There were sometimes several objections by other producers and myself about layers that were added to creative, and we were just told to execute,” Manuel told Variety in response to Mock tweeting that the blame shouldn’t fall on Banks entirely.

“I do think it’s a little unfair for people to persecute Tyra now, especially because she has already taken heat for her past executive decisions in past years,” Manuel continued. “However, I can’t really defend her either because when ratings were high and things were great, she remained a clear figurehead, because it was her show.”

“Consistently, when s—t hit the fan and people wanted to talk about some of the things that were said on the show, we would have another singular EP come forward to claim that all creative decisions were made as the team, and I really wish that were the case, but that just simply is not true,” he explained to Variety.

Manuel recalled taking particular issue with a very controversial photoshoot from 2004’s Cycle 13, in which models were asked to embody two different races for a Got Milk ad. Some were styled in blackface, and a white model was even given an afro for the shoot.

“I was so, so, so uncomfortable with this. I was never scripted for my intros or anything, and I didn’t know how I was going to be able to set this up — I was so afraid that I would wear this because I was the creative director, but it was not my idea,” he said. “I was basically told that I had to execute the creative, and it made me very uncomfortable.”

He added that he and others objected, but were ultimately afraid to speak out directly to Tyra.

Banks herself responded to the backlash last week. “Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you,” she tweeted Friday night. “Looking back, those were some really off choices. Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.”

Manuel said he has not consulted Banks or any former colleagues about the book and does not have a relationship with the former executive producer, though he praises her as a “pioneer in many respects.”

He also clarified that he chose to leave the show after Season 18 and was not fired, as was reported at the time.

Manuel’s fictional book, titled “The Wig, The Bitch & The Meltdown,” will be released on Aug. 3.

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