Is there a curse for the models on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ or is the modeling industry plagued with tragic stories?
Models on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ have suffered several tragedies including drug addiction, eating disorders and murder.
Earlier this year, former contestant Mirjana Puhar was killed in a triple homicide. The aspiring model was shot dead after she opened the door to two robbers who also killed two men inside the house.
During Season 8 of ‘America’s Next Top Mode’ contest Renee Alway was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2014 for going on a robbery spree. Â Renee Alway aka Reneee DeWitt on the show, was arrested in California in 2013 after a six hour standoff with the police and SWAT team following a robbery spree. Neighbors told officers the residents were out of the country and Alway was found hiding in the garage with a gun. Alway was only 20 when she was on the show. But, she reached the final three contestants before taking part in Tyra Banks’ show ‘Modelville’ and appearing in ads and magazine. But, months afterwards, she explained that her modeling career did not take off. After the 2013 incident, she was sentenced to 12 years in prison for four felony burglary counts and one count each of vehicle theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm. She was also ordered to pay nearly $60,000 in damages.
But, that’s not all ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Season 14, Angelea Preston was kicked off after it was revealed she had ben working as an escort. Producers revealed that she had been working as a paid escort prior to filming. Now, she’s suing Tyra Banks for $3 million claiming she was improperly denied a top prize.
Season 8 of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Jael Strauss was homeless after struggling with drug addition for several years. The aspiring model had a serious addiction to cocaine and painkillers and was forced to strip to make money. Close to losing her battle with addiction, Dr. Phil staged an intervention to help save her life.
Strauss is not alone. Cycle 5 of America’s Next Top Model’ Lisa D’Amato entered Dr. Drew’s rehab reality for alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine and mushroom addictions.