Jay Manuel ‘Very Open’ To Speaking With Tyra Banks After ‘ANTM’ Fallout

Jay Manuel might still feel the sting from his fallout with Tyra Banks, but the former creative director remains open to moving forward with the iconic supermodel.

In the new Netflix documentary, “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” Manuel opened up about the behind-the-scenes drama that occurred in his relationship with Banks, implying that their feud almost had him blacklisted.

In the documentary, Tyra Banks seemed upset about the state of her and Manuel’s relationship and declined to discuss it with producers, adding that she “should call him” to hash things out. Manuel, however, said that he’s still waiting for the phone to ring.

According to a report from The Blast, Manuel recalled in episode 3 of “Reality Check” that his bond with Banks soured once he decided he was ready to exit the series after cycle 8 in 2007.

Manuel shared that he had sent Banks an email about leaving the show, but she first ghosted him. “It was probably the longest three days ever,” he said. “And she ultimately wrote back just three words. ‘I am disappointed.'”

Manuel said, “After that email exchange, all communication just stopped. It should’ve been the opportunity to have a heart-to-heart, but that did not happen.”

Manuel went on to say that he was unable to depart the show when he wanted because the network told him they needed more time to find his replacement.

Manuel admitted he also stayed longer than he wanted out of pure fear of being pushed out of the industry, hinting that he felt his professional status was under threat.

“There was a warning that strikes the fear of God in you,” he said. “You know, people talk about being blacklisted. Those words were not used, but I had suspected that that’s what it would turn into.”

In the docuseries, Manuel shared that he hadn’t communicated with Banks before filming began for cycle 9. While he was nervous about seeing the former Victoria’s Secret model for the first time since their email exchange, Manuel said he was relieved to finally clear the air before moving forward with work.

However, when they arrived on set, Manuel told the cameras that Banks allegedly gave him the cold shoulder. Speaking with PEOPLE, Manuel maintained that statement.

“Tyra chose not to speak with me at all while the cameras were off. When they were on, she’d speak to me,” he said. “After [trying to leave], I did cycle 9, which was … torture for me. I was so broken by the end of that cycle because of the mental torture of what was going on.”

Also in episode 3 of “Reality Check,” Banks declined to speak with producers about her relationship with Manuel, saying she “should call” him directly, and added that he’s a “special man.”

But did that phone call ever happen?

Manuel said no. “I never got that phone call,” he shared, adding that he doesn’t believe he’ll get it in the first place. “She’s got my number,” he said.

Despite the obvious tension, Manuel insisted he holds no “ill will” toward the mother of one and confirmed he is “very open” to a conversation whenever she is ready.

“Tyra and I were close, and when we were in New York shooting, or even in L.A. shooting, she’d be at my house or I’d be at her house, and we would really download,” Manuel said of their previous bond.

“But at the same time, and she knows this to be true, the things that are those really, really trusted important things that she has said to me, I will never repeat. I will forever honor my relationship with her in the past,” he added.

“Reality Check” is now available to stream on Netflix.

Alongside Banks and Manuel, the three-part series brings in former judges Jay Alexander and Nigel Barker to share their perspectives.

Banks’ co-creator and executive producer Ken Mok was also part of the production.

Former contestants, including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill, also sat in front of the cameras to share their stories.