Ex-'Top Model' Sues Tyra Banks Alleging Show Denied Her Top Prize Because Of Escort Past

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A former "America's Next Top Model" contestant has filed a lawsuit alleging show host and executive producer Tyra Banks denied her the program's grand prize after Angelea Preston's prior career as an escort came to light.

Angelea Preston is seeking at least $3 million in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. She is alleging breach of contract and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Also named as a defendant is the CW Network. The CW Network is a subsidiary of CBS Television.

A representative for Banks could not be immediately reached.

The suit alleges that as the show's cycle 17 winner, Preston was entitled to the grand prize that included a $100,000 package with CoverGirl cosmetics and a fashion spread in Vogue Italia.

Preston did not violate any of the show's rules because her escorting activities took place before her participation in the show, according to her suit.

Cycle 17 was an all-stars season inviting back previous contestants. Preston had come in 3rd/4th in Cycle 14.

In September 2014, Preston told TMZ she had told the "ANTM" producers in 2011 she worked an as escort, for about a year, and that what she told them in confidence eventually spread to the rest of the cast and crew.

After taping the finale, Banks appeared on camera to say Preston had been disqualified.

The grand prize was eventually awarded to Lisa D'Amato, who originally took part in cycle 5.

Preston's suit also alleges she and other cast were subjected to poor working conditions including working upwards of 12 hours without a meal break.

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