Yaya DaCosta is opening up about her relationship with Tyra Banks.
The 42-year-old model and actress was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model cycle three, finishing second place, with Tyra as host.
Recently, Tyra addressed some of the controversies around the show over the years, and even owned up to some while speaking at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards in late February.
Now, Yaya is sharing her thoughts on what Tyra said and where she stands with Tyra to this day, revealing they reunited and shared a moment at the event.
Keep reading to find out more…
“A lot was said and a lot was not said. I feel compelled to speak,” Yaya shared in an Instagram video below.
“I haven’t had a real interaction with this woman since 2004. The story I’d been telling for so long was a story of trauma,” she continued.
She continued mentioning some of the negative things from the show, like “manipulative editing, and weaponization of girls’ weaknesses. From catalyzing body dysmorphia to eating disorders. From anti-Blackness to blackface photo shoots. Like, yes, there was real trauma, and it wasn’t by accident, but by design. The goal was entertainment over real-world modeling preparation, and especially over mental health.”
Recalling her interaction with Tyra at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Yaya said it was a warm reunion and she “finally came to this place of freedom.”
“When I saw her, I was genuinely excited, and I walked over and we had a beautiful conversation,” she shared. “No, there was no explicit apology, but you could see in that [speech] she’s sick of people every once in a while bringing up these controversial clips from the show.”
“We all evolve. We’re all doing the best we can at all times with the resources that we have. It doesn’t mean that we accept abuse, but we know that everyone is just trying to get their human needs met. When I hear this speech, what I hear is courage. It takes courage to get up in front of people and finally say what’s been on her mind and heart for so many years and insist on recognition for the positive, and not just the negative.”
Before their encounter ended, Tyra‘s mom came in the room at the event as well and greeted her.
“Then it was time for them to go,” Yaya said. “Before they went, I just took her into an embrace. There’s a hug you give acquaintances and strangers, and there’s a hug you give when words don’t suffice. Y’all, I held that woman. When it was time for the hug to be over, I held some more. I took a deep breath because I wanted her to feel what it feels like to fully be forgiven, appreciated, and loved.”
“Something so magical happens when you just make the choice to let something go,” she concluded. “And then it’s gone, and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I’m free.’ Because I’m free, I want y’all to be free.”
You can watch the full video right here…
