“GNTM”: Heidi Klum talks about accusations for the first time – the juror causes a stir

Every February it’s that time again: “Germany’s next top model” enters the next round. Anyway, the casting format didn’t survive last season. A video of ex-candidate Lijana Risen, who participated in the program in 2020, went viral last spring.

With her descriptions, she made serious accusations against the production – and caused a scandal that resulted in several statements from former candidates, calls for a boycott of the show and a legal dispute with broadcaster ProSieben. Heidi Klum herself has – so far – not commented on this. Because at the start of this year’s season, there is a ten-minute statement for the first time.

“The topic of diversity has always been close to my heart,” added Klum. So, she had a hard time in the modeling industry in the beginning of her career because of her figure. The “GNTM” candidates were always treated well by the production crew, and all the rumors about rationed food, creamed soles, and staged fights were wrong.

“We’re a reality show and we show exactly what happens,” says Klum. And further:

The question remains whether her words could not also be a PR move. In any case, the self-elected “model mother” continues and casts Germany’s young models for the 18th time.

And so it goes for the contestants at the start of the season to Los Angeles – where, if they are kicked out, they can get on the next plane back to Germany. «If you fly out immediately, that’s an absolute no-go,” candidate Leona summarizes.

In a Hollywood movie town, the models then meet Klum for the first time, posing on a convertible. As always, they can’t believe their luck: “Heidi Klum is the highest you can achieve,” beams one participant. “I’m so looking forward to the Queen,” another. In any case, the criticism of the format does not seem to have left a lasting impression on them.

That Klum’s rather fragile reputation in this country has not yet made the rounds internationally is evidenced once again by the selection of their top class guest judges. The American model Winnie Harlow and the Norwegian fashion designer Peter Dundas can judge who gets a ticket to the next round. Because this year, of course, the same applies: only one can become Germany’s next top model.

Compared to previous seasons, it is striking that the theme of diversity is in any case less present. So far this year’s cast seems less diverse than expected. However, there are one or two surprises: eg Cassy, ​​23, is the first self-proclaimed feminist activist to take part in the show, who says he has already organized two demonstrations. Why is she participating in “GNTM”? “You are not made for normal life, you have to be in front of the camera”, has always been clear.

The public also faces the dilemma with feminism. As one person writes on Twitter, “How every trace of compassion, shame, feminism and humanity left me at 8:15pm tonight.”

Another user explains, “Since ‘GNTM’ starts tomorrow, unfortunately I have to suppress my feminism for a few weeks…Disclaimer: The girls are doing it voluntarily!”

One ruling by the guest juror in particular was criticized in this regard. So Dundas is basically asking a candidate, “Can you walk a little faster for Daddy?” (in German: «Can you walk a little faster for dad?»)

Otherwise, everything is the same in the “GNTM” universe: there are people who do not speak English; the one who describes himself as “crazy”; those with the blow of fate; and those whose ambition is too high. The participants stumble on the catwalk, there is a lot of crying and some cool saying is said. convince Tracy and Katherine with their walk, and with Ana, Indira, Alina and Elisabeth, four candidates have to leave the show.

“It’s so hard when you’ve just arrived. You flew to LA for so many hours, and then you have to go home,” says Klum completely unironically. For the rest, it’s now on to the model villa. According to the preview, there will be new candidates come in next episode – then “Diversityyy” will certainly be shouted again.