Jeana Turner Claims 'ANTM' Used Emotional Manipulation in Viral Makeover

An "America’s Next Top Modelalum is speaking up years after her controversial transformation was broadcast, and she's not holding back. Jeana Turner, who was part of Cycle 24 of the long-running reality show, states she was deceived by the production team before undergoing the infamous hair-cut that stunned audiences in 2018. Her remarks follow...NetflixHer new docuseries exploring the show's legacy, which she claims only scratches the surface of what contestants truly went through behind the scenes.

Jeana Turner Claims Netflix Documentary Only 'Takes the Surface'

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"America's Next Top Model" contestant Turner claims she was deceived byTyra Banksand her team prior to getting her well-known bald transformation in 2018.

Turner spoke with the Daily MailSeveral days following the debut of the Netflix documentary series "Reality Check," which the streaming platform characterized as Banks and a group of "models, judges, and insiders" reflecting on "the reality show's complex history," she expressed that after viewing the three-episode short series, it only "touched the surface" of the "severe treatment" and "emotional manipulation" that the hundreds of models who were part of the show's casts experienced.

The model, who was born in Nashville, was 24 years old when she participated in 15 episodes of the popular reality show during its 24th season in 2018.

The Notorious Hair-Cutting Transformation That Surprised Audiences

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Turner, who developed alopecia at the age of 10, experienced several awkward moments on the program, most notably in the third episode of the season called "Beauty Is a Trademark."

In an episode that premiered in January 2018, Banks and the producers instructed Turner to cut her hair short in front of the camera and pose as bald during a makeover-related segment. (She had previously used wigs on the runway throughout her career.) "They told me, 'We know you lost your hair as a child, so we're going to give you the hair you lost back,'" Turner said to the Daily Mail.

Turner, who leads a beauty enterprise called Haus Of Anomali (which provides wigs, hairpieces, and extensions), mentioned that she initially expected to receive a high-end wig as part of the transformation. "For me, I was thinking, okay, that's exciting because this is 'America’s Next Top Model' and I've had challenges with wigs my whole life," she stated. "I've struggled for so long to regain the hair I originally lost as a child; the texture, the color, everything."

Unexpected Event Made Jeana Turner Feel Deceived

Turner stated she was certain she was collaborating with industry experts who could bring her vision to life. "So I thought, if there's anyone who can pull it off, it's Tyra Banks and her transformation team, naturally, so I became really enthusiastic," she mentioned.

But as per Turner, the situation quickly changed when stylist Law Roach exposed the real plan. "They said, 'Hey Jeana, do you remember when we told you we were giving you a wig?' And I replied, 'Yes.' He then said, 'Gotcha,' and pulled out a razor, a typical one used for shaving underarms, and declared, 'Gotcha, we're BIC-ing your head!'"

Turner explained that she felt frozen as she tried to understand what was occurring while the cameras kept running. "I'm one of those people who is always very aware of the cameras and who's watching at all times," she mentioned. "I didn't want to, at that moment, put myself in a vulnerable spot that revealed how deeply I was feeling at that time. I was just trying to collect my thoughts and figure things out, so I basically froze. I think I might have been in a bit of shock."

Effect of the Experience on Emotions

Turner mentioned that her emotions changed to anger when she understood how much reality differed from what she had been promised. "They told me I was getting hair, but now they're taking my wig off and also shaving the small amount of hair I have," Turner explained, noting that the hair being removed held significant personal importance because she had been growing it since she was a child.

Turner also considered more generally how participants' experiences frequently went beyond what audiences witnessed on TV. "What people saw was a version of the events, but it wasn't always the complete story," Turner stated. "In the end, over 24 seasons, there have been 400 or so contestants, and that's 400 or so different experiences from the show, with some being more difficult than others. However, for many of us, the effects extended beyond what was actually shown on television."

Jeana Turner Claims 'ANTM' Continues to Escape Responsibility Following Netflix Documentary

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Turner also expressed her views on the broader discussion about the franchise, indicating that there has been insufficient responsibility. "My main point was that they're still only touching on what actually occurred. The documentary definitely is creating awareness and bringing attention to some of the severe treatment that took place, which I truly value. However, I still don't believe it fully reflects how deep the emotional control and power structures really were."

She said, "I believe that for such a long time, there hasn't been the pressure to admit to their mistakes and the things they've done wrong, so I think that's somewhat embedded in their mindset, to steer clear of taking responsibility now."

Turner is set to participate in the new E! program "Dirty Rotten Scandals: ANTM," which she has emphasized is crucial for highlighting the viewpoints of contestants. "That's precisely the reason 'Dirty Rotten Scandals' was created," Turner mentioned on Instagram about the special, which is scheduled to broadcast on March 11. "Because survivors aren't able to transform their trauma into a refined story of recovery."

"Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" is now available to stream on Netflix.

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