Podcast
The Viall Files
Jay Manuel referenced the title while discussing his participation in a documentary about the reality TV series, noting that the filmmakers were known for journalistic integrity and that the final cut made him emotional, especially when seeing a favorite contestant's story unfold. He expressed admiration for the project’s depth and encouraged ongoing dialogue within the industry, indicating a strong endorsement of its perspective.
Episode: ANTM w/ Jay Manuel, RHOP w/ Monique Samuels, Love...
Jay Manuel discussed his involvement in the documentary, noting that he felt safe participating because the directors, Moore and Daniel, were known for their journalistic integrity. He found watching the finished documentary more emotional than doing the interviews, especially seeing Shandy's story play out, which made him cry.
I'm that person who knows everybody who works on docs. And I was already a fan of all their work. And I was waiting for Manhunt Osama bin Laden to come out. So I thought, oh my God, these people are known for their journalistic integrity. So I already felt safe in that moment.
But when watching the doc back, that was a different experience the first time because, you know, seeing the Shandy story play out, someone who was my favorite that season, who I thought was going to win. And I was, I'm lucky that I've been able to see Shandy since the show and she knows how I feel about her. And I always felt that she was unfairly positioned in the show. So to see it play, especially at the top of episode two in reality check, I mean, I, I started bawling.
I wrote her the most lovely email of gratitude. And I was happy that I was to help her realize her dream with the show. She'd always encouraged me to branch out.
I thought about calling in sick that day, just so you know. But there were no sick days on Top Model. And I knew I would get in a lot of trouble. So I went and I was extremely uncomfortable.
My message for fans and for all of the girls who participated and, and, and hopefully at some point, a lot of these producers and directors who still work in the industry and are afraid to speak. My message would be to continue the dialogue, continue the conversation.