Angelea Preston isn’t taking her loss on America’s Next Top Model lightly.
The former contestant has filed a $3 million lawsuit alleging that Tyra Banks denied her the grand prize because of her past as an escort, reports CBS Los Angeles. The suit alleges breach of contract and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The CW Network is also named as a defendant.
Preston says she told the show’s producers in 2011 about her past as an escort and that the private confession had soon spread widely through the cast and crew. The escort activities were not a breach of contract because they took place before the show.
As the winner, Preston would have received a $100,000 package with CoverGirl and a Vogue Italia cover spread. The winner of this cycle, Cycle 17, was Lisa D’Amato.
After this cycle’s finale, Banks announced on-camera that Preston had been disqualified.
Preston’s suit also claims harsh working conditions for the cast, including working 12 hours without a meal break.