Jael Strauss Drugs: 'America's Next Top Model' Winner CariDee English Criticizes Reality Show, Tyra Banks In Gawker Comments
"America's Next Top Model winner" CariDee English sympathizes with Jael Strauss, a former show contestant who appeared on a "Dr. Phil" episode (set to air Thursday, Sept. 13) for a methamphetamine addiction.
On a Gawker article, which described and included the "Dr. Phil" trailer, English criticized Tyra Banks and the show for not doing enough to help the former contestant and prevent her downfall.
Strauss lives on the streets, and is unrecognizable with rotten teeth and a face covered in sores.
When English got into the real world of modeling, she claimed she received no guidance and was not taken seriously due to her "ANTM" fame.
"She provided a wonderful platform for girls to have a chance at their dream, but, after there is no 'Tyra Mail'. I had to guide myself, and even though I won a model competition I still had no idea what the modeling BUSINESS was like. I had no idea what the industry was really like. I was famous, but no one wanted to take my picture. ... I love love what I have made for myself since my win, but mentally, its horrific. And any girl who has been on ANTM can back me up. No one wants to take us serious as models. I am sure the show lost its credibility in producing a top model somewhere btwn making 3 cycles a year and posing on roller coasters. Tyra wasn't there when the cameras stopped rolling, nor did she reach out."
English says Strauss' anxiety could have exponentially escalated as she felt mentally unstable during the taping of the show.
On the third episode of her season of "America's Next Top Model," Strauss received a phone call that one of her close friends had died of a drug overdose.
Her family said her friend's overdose "really shook her," and after the accident her addiction worsened.
According to The Sun, she decided to remain on the show, and said at the time: "There was never, never a question in my mind to leave the competition. My friend is gone and I am still here living life to the fullest."
Watch the preview for the "Dr. Phil" show and decide for yourself if "ANTM" and Tyra Banks could have done anything to help Strauss. Let us know what you think in the comments.
