Tyra Banks is being sued by former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Angelea Preston.
"It turns out our production team and the network learned information from Angelea that disqualifies her from the competition," judge Nigel Barker said at the time. "It means we're now going to do our final judging with the remaining two girls, [Allison Harvard and Lisa D'Amato]."
Preston alleges breach-of-contract, and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. She made it to the top three before being dismissed, and the suit claims she was entitled to win the competition and grand prize, a $100,000 CoverGirl cosmetics contract.
"As noted during the broadcast of the 'America's Next Top Model' finale in 2011, information about Angelea was learned after production wrapped on that cycle that led to her disqualification from the competition," The CW said in a statement. "We are confident that her lawsuit has no merit."
Banks has served as a host and judge on "America's Next Top Model" since 2003. The series sees aspiring models compete for a CoverGirl contract and a magazine spread, and wrapped its 21st cycle on Dec. 5.
