The Real Reason Why Jay Manuel Left America's Next Top Model

Jay Manuel was an America's Next Top Model O.G., dating back to the 2003 series premiere. He was brought on board as the creative director for 18 cycles, much to the delight of contestants and fans. But when he left before the series wrapped, viewers were shocked. Here's why he said goodbye to Top Model. Jay Manuel began his stint on America's Next Top Model in the show's first cycle in 2003 and was responsible for conceptualizing the models' photo shoots and guiding them through the process. When Jay and fellow judges, J. Alexander and Nigel Barker, simultaneously parted ways with the show in 2012, Page Six described the departures as quote "ugly firings." According to the outlet, the three were informed that their contracts were not going to be renewed after Cycle 18. Top Model executive producer Ken Mok, however, had nothing negative to say, lauding the three as quote "amazing assets" to the show, in a statement released to Page Six, and praising them for transforming the series "into [a] household name." However, a source for the outlet claimed that the three were blindsided when their contracts weren't renewed as the show prepared to pull a one-eighty for the following Cycle 19. As Deadline noted, the departures came after low ratings for Top Model, while Page Six's insider claimed that getting rid of the three was a decision made by production. Watch this video to find out the real reason why Jay Manuel left America's Next Top Model! #JayManuel #ANTM Was he fired? | 0:00 Announcing his exit | 1:27 Behind-the-scenes changes | 2:21 He made the call | 3:28 Telling it (kind of) like it is | 4:13