The Shocking Truth Behind India’s Experience on America’s Next Top Model!
India Gants, the celebrated winner of America’s Next Top Model, has recently opened up about her harrowing experience while filming the iconic show, revealing a stark contrast to the glamorous image portrayed on screen.
At just 28 years old, India candidly described her time on the show as akin to being in a “prison,” complete with a shocking lack of privacy that left her feeling trapped. In a series of social media posts, she laid bare some unsettling realities faced by contestants, claiming that producers even went so far as to remove the doors from the toilets!
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India Gants Reveals a “Prison”-like Environment on Set
Upon reflecting on her time as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, India stated, “The model life was not what I expected.” She described the filming conditions as isolating, noting that contestants had little to no interaction with the outside world.
India revealed that they were often confined to hotel rooms for up to 23 hours a day in complete isolation before filming began. “We weren’t allowed to go outside unless it was related to the show,” she reminisced, adding that the rooms were uncomfortable and cramped, making the situation even more unbearable.
No Freedom or Privacy on America’s Next Top Model
Continuing with her revelations, India pointed out the glaring absence of privacy within the show. “There was absolutely no privacy whatsoever,” she explained. Contestants had to adapt to using restrooms with no doors and very minimal personal space. According to her, it was a significant adjustment that most candidates weren’t prepared for.
“There was really no privacy whatsoever, you just had to get used to using the bathroom in front of other people.”
India Gants
Living Arrangements: A Nightmare Unfolds
To make matters worse, India described the hotel’s conditions where contestants stayed as “horrible.” With no books, electronics, or means of communication with the outside world, boredom quickly settled in, making the lengthy isolation feel torturous. She described the facility as having a “janky TV” with only two channels, underscoring the lack of entertainment options.
“We basically sat there staring at the walls,” India said, finding solace in her own imagery. “Talk about a mentally taxing experience!”
The Controlled Environment of America’s Next Top Model
India also illustrated how contestants were always accompanied by production staff, encapsulating a complete lack of autonomy. “You weren’t allowed to leave the house without an escort,” she shared. “You didn’t get the freedom to go to the mall or even take a walk!”
The tightly controlled environment fostered a peculiar sense of isolation from normal life, a sentiment echoed by other contestants who felt similarly confined and stifled.
What Happens When You’re Eliminated?
India took her followers deeper into the show’s reality by explaining the process after a contestant is eliminated—going to what she called “the hotel of doom.” In a twist that surprised many, she said that eliminated contestants didn’t return home but were instead secluded in another hotel without any forms of media.
“They isolate you so that nobody knows you got sent home,” she stated. “It was one of the toughest parts of the show.”
A Model’s Reflection on the Reality TV Experience
Ultimately, India summarized the experience by stating, “America’s Next Top Model is a reality TV show before it’s a modeling contest. The producers focus on making good television; modeling takes a backseat.”
This candid revelation shatters the glammed-up illusion many fans have about the reality of the show, shedding light on the psychological and emotional toll contestants endured.
The Lasting Impact of America’s Next Top Model
In sharing her experience, India Gants has not only brought attention to the intense pressures faced by contestants on America’s Next Top Model but also opened the floor for discussions about mental health and personal boundaries within the realm of reality television.
While the show created a significant platform for emerging models, it’s crucial for aspiring contestants to be aware of the challenges lurking behind the scenes. Understanding that the reality depicted on camera might be far from the truth could prepare future models for the unexpected hurdles ahead.