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

Unveiling the Financial Reality of America’s Next Top Model

Sarah Hartshorne, who competed on cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), has recently opened up about the financial hardships and production tactics that were never fully disclosed during the show’s airing. While promoting E!’s documentary series *Dirty Rotten Scandals*, Hartshorne shared exclusive insights into the stark contrast between the show’s profits and the meager compensation contestants received.

Despite ANTM’s popularity from 2003 to 2018, which showcased aspiring models competing for lucrative contracts and magazine spreads, the financial rewards for participants were surprisingly minimal. Hartshorne revealed that the contestants were paid so little that many struggled to cover basic needs like food during filming. Reflecting on her experience in 2007, she said, “I was saving the money that they gave us to pay for food and really trying to eat as cheaply as possible.” She even resorted to grabbing free snacks from craft services just to get by.

This financial insecurity was not accidental. Hartshorne believes the production intentionally kept contestants on edge, creating an environment of instability and stress. “I was insecure in terms of where and when I was going to eat next, where I was going to sleep next and when I was going to be able to sleep,” she explained. It was only years later that she realized this was a deliberate tactic employed by the show’s producers.

The Emotional Toll and Exploitation Behind the Scenes

Beyond financial struggles, Hartshorne shed light on how the show exploited contestants’ personal lives and traumas for dramatic effect. The application process was intense and invasive, requiring participants to disclose detailed information about their lives, including stressors related to housing, health, finances, and family issues. This information was then used to craft storylines that heightened emotional tension on screen.

Hartshorne noted, “There was this idea that if you didn’t divulge your secrets, you wouldn’t succeed or be brought onto the show.” Contestants were effectively pressured to reveal intimate details, which producers then used to manipulate narratives and increase viewer engagement.

As one of the show’s first plus-size models, Hartshorne’s personal story was often highlighted, sometimes at the expense of other deeper traumas she carried. She described this as being a “sacrificial lamb” for the producers to focus on, which gave her some advantage but also underscored the show’s exploitative nature.

The show has faced significant backlash, especially after Hulu released episodes in 2020 that included controversial challenges involving race-swapping, violence, and eating disorders. These moments sparked widespread criticism and reexamination of the ethics behind ANTM’s production.

The Call for Fair Compensation and Accountability

Hartshorne’s revelations come amid growing conversations about the treatment of reality TV contestants and their rights to fair pay. She emphasized that reality stars deserve compensation for their labor, stating, “Everybody deserves to be paid for their time and labor. I don’t think that’s a controversial thing to say.”

She expressed surprise at the resistance some people have to this idea but remains firm that financial payment is a fundamental form of accountability. Hartshorne praised the recent discussions around accountability in the entertainment industry, especially regarding ANTM’s creator and executive producer Tyra Banks. While opinions vary, Hartshorne believes the core issue is clear: contestants worked grueling hours without appropriate compensation.

The documentary *Dirty Rotten Scandals* and Netflix’s *Reality Check* have brought these issues to the forefront, exposing the darker side of reality television and the exploitation that often goes unseen by audiences.

Sarah Hartshorne’s Journey Beyond America’s Next Top Model

Despite the challenges faced during and after ANTM, Sarah Hartshorne has built a successful career in modeling. She became a prominent figure in the plus-size modeling industry, working with renowned brands such as Vogue and Glamour. Additionally, she broke new ground as the first ANTM contestant to publish a memoir, titled *You Wanna Be On Top?: A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America’s Next Top Model*.

Hartshorne credits the show as her introduction to the modeling world, which allowed her to travel internationally and meet influential people in the fashion industry. Beyond her professional achievements, she finds joy in her personal life as a mother and continues to use her voice to advocate for fair treatment of reality TV participants.

Conclusion

Sarah Hartshorne’s candid revelations about how little America’s Next Top Model paid its contestants highlight the need for greater transparency and fairness in reality television. Her story not only exposes the financial and emotional exploitation behind the scenes but also calls for accountability and proper compensation for all reality TV participants. If you want to learn more about the realities of reality TV and support fair treatment for contestants, stay tuned to the latest documentaries and conversations shedding light on this important issue.