Sarah Hartshorne Reveals How Little ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Paid
Inside Sarah Hartshorne’s Experience on America’s Next Top Model
Sarah Hartshorne, who gained recognition as a contestant on cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), has recently opened up about the financial hardships and production challenges she endured during her time on the show. While the series showcased aspiring models competing for fame and lucrative contracts, Hartshorne reveals a starkly different reality behind the scenes—one marked by financial insecurity and intentional pressure tactics.
At 38 years old, Hartshorne shared her story while promoting E!’s documentary series *Dirty Rotten Scandals*, which sheds light on the darker side of reality TV. She emphasized the glaring financial discrepancies between the show’s profits and the meager compensation contestants received. “It is highlighting the financial discrepancies between how much money the show made and how much certain people walked away with vs. how little the contestants walked away with,” Hartshorne told Us Weekly.
Financial Struggles and Production Pressure
Hartshorne’s memories from filming in 2007 are vivid. She recalls the constant need to stretch the small stipend given to contestants, often using it solely to afford basic meals. “I was saving the money that they gave us to pay for food and really trying to eat as cheaply as possible,” she said. To cope, she scavenged free snacks from craft services and grappled with the uncertainty of where her next meal or rest would come from.
This financial instability wasn’t accidental. Hartshorne believes the producers deliberately maintained this tension to keep contestants on edge. “They worked very hard to keep us on edge,” she explained. The stress of not knowing when or where she would eat or sleep consumed her focus, blurring the lines between natural anxiety and manufactured pressure.
The Reality Behind the Glamour: Contestant Exploitation
America’s Next Top Model, which aired from 2003 to 2018, was a groundbreaking show that launched the careers of many aspiring models. However, the series has faced criticism for its controversial challenges and exploitative practices. After Hulu released episodes in 2020, viewers and critics alike condemned the show for insensitive content, including race-swapping challenges and depictions of violence and eating disorders.
Hartshorne revealed that the show’s casting process was invasive, probing deeply into contestants’ personal traumas and vulnerabilities. The application included detailed questions about stressors related to housing, health, finances, and family issues. “It became very clear early on that this is the section of the application that mattered and this is what would get you on TV,” she said.
Contestants were aware that their personal struggles would be exploited for dramatic effect. Hartshorne admitted that revealing these details was often rewarded with screen time and advancement on the show. “There was this idea that if you didn’t [divulge], then you wouldn’t succeed and you wouldn’t be brought onto the show,” she explained.
Using Personal Stories as Entertainment
Hartshorne was fortunate that her storyline centered around her identity as a plus-size model, which shielded her from having her personal trauma exploited on screen. She described this focus as a “sacrificial lamb” that the producers used to steer the narrative away from more sensitive topics.
The exploitation of contestants’ personal lives has been reexamined in recent docuseries such as Netflix’s *Reality Check* and E!’s *Dirty Rotten Scandals*. These documentaries highlight the need for accountability and fair treatment of reality TV participants.
Calls for Fair Compensation and Accountability
Hartshorne is a vocal advocate for fair pay for reality TV contestants. She stresses that everyone who contributes labor deserves compensation, a sentiment she finds surprisingly controversial to some. “Everybody deserves to be paid for their time and labor,” she said. “I think that’s a really basic thing.”
The conversation about accountability has gained momentum, with many calling out former ANTM creator and executive producer Tyra Banks for her role in the show’s exploitative practices. Hartshorne welcomes these discussions, emphasizing that financial compensation is a key aspect of accountability. “We weren’t paid for our labor. We weren’t compensated for many hours of grueling work. That — to me — is what accountability looks like,” she stated.
Life After America’s Next Top Model
Despite the challenges she faced on ANTM, Hartshorne has built a successful modeling career internationally, working with prestigious brands like Vogue and Glamour. She also became the first ANTM contestant to publish a memoir, *You Wanna Be On Top?: A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America’s Next Top Model*, sharing her unique perspective on the industry and the show.
Today, Hartshorne reflects on her journey with gratitude. She credits ANTM for introducing her to the modeling world, allowing her to travel, meet inspiring people, and forge lifelong friendships. Now a mother to a three-year-old, she continues to embrace her voice and identity beyond the reality TV spotlight.
Conclusion
Sarah Hartshorne’s candid revelations about how little America’s Next Top Model paid its contestants expose a troubling side of reality television that often goes unnoticed. Her story highlights the importance of fair compensation and ethical treatment for those who dedicate their time and labor to entertainment productions. As viewers and fans, supporting calls for accountability ensures that future contestants are respected and valued.
If you found Sarah Hartshorne’s insights eye-opening, stay informed about the realities of reality TV and advocate for fair treatment of all performers. Share this article and join the conversation about the true cost behind the glamour of shows like America’s Next Top Model.
