Sarah Hartshorne Reveals How Little ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Paid

Unveiling the Financial Reality Behind America’s Next Top Model

Sarah Hartshorne, known for her appearance on cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), has recently shared candid details about the financial hardships contestants endured during the show. While ANTM captivated audiences with its glamorous portrayal of aspiring models competing for fame and fortune, Hartshorne reveals a starkly different reality behind the scenes — one marked by financial insecurity and minimal compensation.

In an exclusive interview promoting E!’s documentary series *Dirty Rotten Scandals*, Hartshorne, now 38, discussed the significant gap between the show’s profits and the paltry earnings contestants received. She highlighted how the program profited immensely, yet the participants, who dedicated countless hours and endured intense pressure, were left with very little financial reward.

Reflecting on her experience filming in 2007, Hartshorne recalled the constant struggle to manage her limited funds. “I was saving the money that they gave us to pay for food and really trying to eat as cheaply as possible,” she said. She even resorted to grabbing free snacks from craft services to get by. This financial strain was more than just an inconvenience; it created a pervasive sense of insecurity about basic needs like food, shelter, and rest.

Hartshorne described how the show’s production seemed to intentionally maintain this atmosphere of instability. “They worked very hard to keep us on edge,” she explained. This tactic kept contestants focused on their immediate survival rather than the bigger picture, a strategy that Hartshorne only fully understood years later.

The Hidden Costs of Reality TV Stardom

America’s Next Top Model aired from 2003 to 2018, chronicling the journey of hopeful models competing for a lucrative contract, magazine spreads, and high-profile campaigns. However, the show’s portrayal of the modeling world often masked the harsh realities faced by its contestants.

After the series became available on Hulu in 2020, it faced criticism for insensitive challenges involving race-swapping, depictions of violence against women, and eating disorder themes. Hartshorne acknowledged these controversies, noting that contestants were aware of the show’s focus on personal trauma. “The application process was so intense. They really knew every detail of our lives,” she said.

She explained that the casting process probed deeply into applicants’ personal hardships, including housing, health, and financial issues. This information was not just for background checks; it was used to shape the narrative on screen. Contestants who disclosed more personal struggles were often given more screen time, creating a pressure to reveal intimate details for the sake of advancing on the show.

Despite this, Hartshorne felt fortunate that her story as a plus-size model became her defining arc, which somewhat shielded her from having to expose deeper personal traumas. “It gave me an advantage because that was what they focused on instead of any personal trauma or personal history that I was bringing,” she reflected.

Calls for Fair Compensation and Accountability

The exploitation of contestants on America’s Next Top Model has been revisited in recent docuseries such as Netflix’s *Reality Check* and E!’s *Dirty Rotten Scandals*. Hartshorne expressed hope that these documentaries would raise awareness about the need for fair pay in reality television.

“My hope for people’s takeaway when they watch the documentary is I hope people understand that reality contestants deserve to be paid for their time. Everybody does,” she emphasized. Hartshorne was surprised by some public disagreement on this point but stood firm in her belief that compensation for labor is a fundamental right.

She also praised the growing conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry, especially regarding the show’s creator and executive producer Tyra Banks. While opinions vary, Hartshorne believes that true accountability involves financial remuneration for the grueling work contestants perform. “We weren’t paid for our labor. We weren’t compensated for many hours of grueling work. That — to me — is what accountability looks like,” she stated.

Life After America’s Next Top Model

Following her time on ANTM, Sarah Hartshorne carved out a successful modeling career, working internationally with prestigious brands like Vogue and Glamour. She also became the first contestant from the show to publish a memoir, *You Wanna Be On Top?: A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America’s Next Top Model*, which delves into her experiences in the modeling industry and on the show.

Hartshorne describes her journey as one of self-discovery and empowerment. Beyond modeling, she embraces her role as a mother and continues to use her voice to advocate for fair treatment of reality TV participants. “The show was very much my introduction to modeling as a career. I got to travel the world, meet amazing people, and make friends,” she said, highlighting the positive aspects of her experience despite its challenges.

Conclusion

Sarah Hartshorne’s revelations about how little America’s Next Top Model paid its contestants shed light on the often unseen struggles behind reality TV glamour. Her story underscores the importance of fair compensation and ethical treatment for all participants in the entertainment industry. As viewers and fans, supporting transparency and accountability can help foster a healthier environment for future reality stars.

If you found Sarah Hartshorne’s story eye-opening, stay informed about the realities of reality TV and join the conversation about fair treatment and compensation for contestants. Your awareness can contribute to positive change in the industry.