I’m here for all the fashion tea. Between André Leon Talley and now Jay Manuel, I have some good reads popping off.
Former “America’s Next Top Model” judge Jay Manuel just announced plans for a book titled The Wig The Bitch And The Meltdown, a fictional novel inspired by his 18 seasons with the series. The book is set to launch on August 3rd, and the book was published without input from show host Tyra Banks with whom Manuel doesn’t have a relationship.
Described as a cautionary tale about the seduction of fame, the novel centers around a fictional reality show, “Model Muse,” hosted by supermodel Keisha Kash, and the story is told through the eyes of the protagonist, Pablo Michaels, a young man who sets out to discover himself in the world of fashion in New York City.
One chapter titled “The Meltdown” features fictional show host #KeishaKash going off on a contestant, which Manuel confirms was inspired by Banks’ infamous, “We were rooting for you!” scene.
With everyone Netflix and chilling, folks are reexamining ANTM and certain controversial exchanges on the show have brought criticism to Banks.
Earlier this week, Banks tweeted that she agrees with criticism regarding the show’s insensitivity. “Looking back, those were some really off choices,” Banks tweeted. “Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.”
However, Manuel has no defense for a season four episode whose challenge was themed on race swapping. He explained, “I disagree with that statement of people saying it was a different time. I really do. It didn’t fly then. That wasn’t cool in 2004. But, I guess the mentality, at the time, was that the show took off in a way that no one could expect, so in Cycle 4, the pressure was on to deliver bigger than even Cycle 3.”
As bad as that particular episode was, Manuel maintains Banks deserves credit for pushing forward diversity in the fashion industry by casting trans and plus-size models as well as contestants of all races and sexual orientation throughout the seasons. He noted, “Tyra is a pioneer in many respects and I have nothing but respect for her in everything that she’s accomplished in business. The fashion industry is a difficult industry.” Word.