Tyra Banks, the creator of 'America's Next Top Model,' reflected on the show's impact on diversity despite facing criticism.

America's Next Top Model had an incredible run with 24 seasons from 2003 to 2018. It was the first show of its kind, as aspiring models—some with no experience whatsoever—tried to make their dreams come true on reality television.

Former runway model Tyra Banks has admitted her methods to cultivate new models missed the mark at times, but her impact on the fashion industry […]

Tyra Banks is ready to return to modeling as she reflects on 'America's Next Top Model's empowering and problematic legacy.

Tyra Banks is well aware of the criticism surrounding “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM) but believes the show’s impact on diversity and representation shouldn’t be ignored. Speaking at Essence’s 18th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards last Thursday,

"We fought to bring diversity to that television show at a time when it didn’t exist, a time when people in the fashion industry were telling me, 'Oh, you putting girls from the hood on your show?' " Banks said.

In recent years, America’s Next Top Model has not necessarily aged with the grace of a cover star - something host Tyra Banks addressed in a recent speech at Essence‘s 18th annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards,

Tyra Banks acknowledged her past missteps on America’s Next Top Model during her speech at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, stating: “I said some dumb shit.” The event recognized Banks as its inaugural Luminary Spotlight recipient on Feb.

Tyra Banks is aware of the criticism surrounding her long-running reality show America’s Next Top Model, but she refuses to tarnish its legacy. While accepting the first-ever Luminary Spotlight honor at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday,

Tyra Banks didn't always "get it right" on "America's Next Top Model," she told attendees at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, adding: "I said some dumb s–t." Banks was the event's first Luminary Spotlight honoree on Feb.