Tyra Banks was sued Wednesday by a former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant who alleges she was wrongfully denied the show’s grand prize because she had previously worked as an escort.
Angelea Preston is seeking at least $3 million in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging breach of contract and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Also named as a defendant is the CW Network.
A representative for Banks could not be immediately reached.
The suit states that as the show’s cycle 17 winner, Preston was entitled to the grand prize that included a $100,000 package with CoverGirl cosmetics and a fashion spread in Vogue Italia. However, she was disqualified because she had worked as an escort prior to taking part in cycle 17, the suit states.
Preston did not violate any of the show’s rules because her escorting activities took place before her participation in the show, according to her court papers.
The grand prize was awarded to another contestant, Lisa D’Amato, who originally took part in cycle 5, the suit states.
Preston’s suit also alleges she and other cast participants were subjected to poor working conditions that included having to work 12 hours without a meal break.
