4/20/2012 1:30 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Fired 'Top Model' Judge
Good Luck Replacing Me

Exclusive
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Freshly-fired "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker tells TMZ, the show's in for a rude awakening now that he's been canned ... because his shoes will be INCREDIBLY difficult to fill.

Nigel tells us, "Good luck to whoever [replaces me]. I would imagine it's a tricky thing to replace someone who's going on their 19th season."

As for why Nigel believes he got the boot -- he tells us, the network is bent on completely revamping the show ... after record low ratings the last two seasons.

But he adds, "Who knows if this is going to work? I don't necessarily think it's a good idea ... Maybe it will work. Maybe it won't. I wish them luck."

Tyra Banks announced this morning ... the CW would not be renewing Nigel's contract for the show's next season. Two other famed "Top Model" personalities -- Jay Manuel and J. Alexander -- were also fired.

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Who'd You Rather?
3/18/2012 12:30 AM PDT BY Johnny Lopez

Tyra Banks vs. Padma Lakshmi
Who'd You Rather?

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"America's Next Top Model" maven Tyra Banks, 38, and "Top Chef" sensation Padma Lakshmi, 41, broke bread at the same event in NYC on Thursday.

Question is ...

TMZ TV
8/10/2011 3:30 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Craig Robinson
Cold, Soft Fact
He's Hooking up with Tyra!

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Tyra Banks dragged "Hot Tub Time Machine" star Craig Robinson to an L.A. mall yesterday, where they ate Pinkberry yogurt together ... so they're TOTALLY doing it, right?

Check out TMZ on TV -- click here to see your local listings!

Celebrity Justice
10/28/2010 1:45 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Tyra Banks Gets Protection from 'Celebrity Stalker'

Tyra Banks has been granted a permanent restraining order against a "mentally unstable celebrity stalker" who has allegedly been targeting Tyra and her family since 2006.

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Earlier today, an L.A. County Superior Court judge ordered 39-year-old Marten Williams, Jr. to stay at least 100 yards from Tyra and her family for the next three years.

As we previously reported, Tyra believes Williams poses a serious threat to her safety ... citing that he's left several items on her property in the past ... and just last month, he was arrested for trespassing at Tyra's home. 

Tyra also claims that Williams has a history of mental illness -- insisting that Williams believes he killed "George Bush Jr."


Celebrity Justice
10/19/2010 5:30 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Tyra Banks -- I Fear My 'Mentally Unstable Stalker'

Tyra Banks is scared to death of a "mentally unstable celebrity stalker" who has allegedly bragged about killing "George Bush Jr." -- and now she's asking a judge for protection.

Tyra Banks stalker.
Tyra has requested a restraining order against 39-year-old Marten Williams, Jr. -- 6'2", 220 lbs -- claiming he has "targeted and harassed and stalked" Tyra and her family since 2006.

In the docs, filed in L.A. County Superior Court and obtained by TMZ, Tyra claims the man has a history of mental illness -- and that he believes "he killed George Bush Jr. and that Michael Jackson is alive and living in Long Beach."

Tyra also claims the man has left several "ominous frightening letters and items" at her Beverly Hills home -- including his prescription medication, L.A. County jail wristbands and note referencing a wedding ceremony set for 1/08/11... the day he believes he will marry Tyra.

In the docs -- filed by top gun lawyer Evan Spiegel -- Tyra states, "I am in fear from Mr. Williams for my personal safety, and that of those around me, including my family and employees."

Williams was just arrested earlier this month for trespassing on Tyra's property. Williams told cops he was bringing Tyra "offerings." He was later placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold ... but Tyra's people believe he may have already been released.

Tyra wants Williams to stay at least 100 yards away from her and her family -- fearing that Williams' conduct will "likely continue and escalate" unless the court steps in.

UPDATE: TMZ has learned ... Tyra was granted a temporary restraining order against Williams which is valid until October 28 -- when a hearing will be held to determine if the restraining order will become permanent.

Ride Me
10/7/2010 8:30 AM PDT BY Johnny Lopez

Clay Aiken & Tyra Banks Train Together

Former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken and supermodel gal pal Tyra Banks took their relationship underground ... and rode the NYC subway together on Wednesday.

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Looks like Madonna has started another celebrity trend.

Celebrity Justice
9/3/2009 3:00 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Tyra's Assistant: You Owe Me Bank

Tyra BanksUpdate: A rep for Tyra says Richard Thomas was never employed by Bankable, its respective entities, or by Tyra's talk show, or 'Top Model'.

Tyra Banks' former assistant wants a small piece of her fortune -- actually, he wants a small claims court piece.

TMZ picked up a small claims lawsuit filed in L.A County by Richard Thomas, who claims Miss Banks owes him $5,820.

Thomas is suing for back wages plus a little extra. The complaint says Thomas wants the money for "services rendered as assistant and advisor."

We're not sure how much he wants as an advisor.

And this is funny... the legal documents require Thomas to ask Tyra for the money prior to filing suit.

His response to that: "I have not been able to catch [Tyra] while she is in."

Doesn't sound like a great assistant to us.

No comment from Tyra -- we couldn't get in touch either.

Celebrity Justice
6/18/2009 2:53 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Tyra's Stalker Sentenced to Learn How to Not Stalk

Tyra Banks' stalker is finally gonna learn his lesson -- he was just sentenced by a judge to serve hard time ... in a classroom.

Brady Green was given one year of probation today after he was found guilty in April of stalking Tyra Banks. As part of his sentence, he must complete an anti-stalking course called Project SHARP (Stopping Harassment and Relationship Problems).

Wonder what the homework is like? "Tonight, class, don't follow anyone home."

If Green doesn't complete the course, he'll get 90 days in the slammer.

Celebrity Justice
4/30/2009 1:00 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

America's Next Top Convicted Stalker

The man accused of stalking Tyra Banks has been sentenced to catwalk in jail.

A judge in NYC convicted Brady Green of stalking, harassment, criminal trespass and attempted aggravated harassment. His sentencing is scheduled for June. Green faces up to 90 days in jail.

Green's lawyer says he plans to appeal.

UPDATE: The way we hear it, the restraining order against Green has been extended, and as long as he stays away from Tyra he will not serve any jail time come his sentencing date. That can and will change if Green violates the order.

4/29/2009 10:53 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Tyra Banks Takes a Stand Against Alleged Stalker

Tyra Banks just took the stand in the trial of a man accused of stalking her -- a man who allegedly threatened to kill one of her employees for refusing to give him tickets to her show.

Tyra Banks: Click to watch
39-year-old Brady Green -- who has pled not guilty to misdemeanor stalking and harassment -- also sent love letters and flowers to Tyra and was arrested in March of 2008 for sneaking into her studio.

Tyra -- the first witness to take the stand -- told the court she's been forced to hire security because she's too scared to be alone.

Banks said Green is "more aggressive" than a regular fan -- but said "I don't fear for my life, I fear for my safety. I fear for my staff and people in my vicinity."

He faces a max of 90 days in jail if convicted.

UPDATE: Cross-examination is over, during which Green's lawyers tried to make the case that he never called, emailed or personally threatened Tyra.

Tyra's off the stand.

4/27/2009 5:54 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Aiken -- I've Got a Claby on Board

Clay Aiken took his artificial insemination creation -- aka the Claby -- out for lunch yesterday with Tyra Banks at the Beverly Hilton in L.A.

 Clay Aiken : click to view!

Still no word if Clay's trying to rent a womb at the Tyra hotel.


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