Where is Shandi Sullivan from America’s Next Top Model now?

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Ever since it came out earlier this week, the new Netflix series about America’s Next Top Model has been all anyone online can talk about.

This three-episode series takes a fresh look at the most memorable moments from the show and reveals what it was like behind the scenes. It features interviews with former contestants and judges, offering a unique perspective on the show’s massive impact on popular culture.

Shandi Sullivan, featured in the documentary, shared how a particularly difficult personal moment from her 2004 appearance on the show was broadcast for everyone to watch.

So, just who is Shandi Sullivan and where is she now? Read on to find out more.

Who is Shandi Sullivan?

Before becoming known for America’s Next Top Model, Shandi dreamed of being a model. She spotted an ad for the show while working at Walgreens and decided to try out at the open casting call.

Shandi was a contestant on the second season of America’s Next Top Model, where she finished in third place. Although reaching the final three is an accomplishment, her time on the show was also marked by some difficult experiences.

What happened to Shandi Sullivan on America’s Next Top Model?

The documentary revisits a time when Shandi and other contestants attended a party thrown by the show’s producers. That day, after a photoshoot, she drank wine in a hot tub with male models and ended up kissing one of them, even though she was already in a relationship.

Shandi recalls the encounter in the documentary, alleging sexual assault.

In this harrowing documentary, Shandi recounts a truly disturbing experience. She describes being overpowered and assaulted, losing consciousness during the attack. What makes it even more devastating is that the entire ordeal was filmed, and no one intervened. She explains it wasn’t a physical experience, but a terrifying realization that something awful was happening to her, ultimately leading to her blacking out. It’s a profoundly upsetting account that stays with you long after the credits roll.

According to Ken Mok, an executive producer on the documentary, the scene was heavily edited before airing. He also noted that it became one of the most talked-about moments in the history of Top Model, whether people liked it or not.

He explained that from the very beginning, the women were informed they would be filmed constantly, around the clock, and that everything would be documented. However, after reviewing the footage during editing, he decided to significantly reduce the amount of that particular scene that made it into the final version.

I remember hearing about this from Banks in the documentary. She said she did recall the story, but she understandably didn’t want to get into the details of how the show was made – that wasn’t really her area of expertise.

After the documentary came out, Shandi explained more on Instagram, saying she still deals with this issue, even at 43, and often tries to hide it by smiling. She said she decided to participate in the documentary because of this ongoing struggle.

I realized Tyra didn’t dictate my story, and the show’s director and producers supported me – that’s what gave me the strength to do it. I did it for my own well-being, because my feelings and experiences are important, and continue to be. The outpouring of love I’ve received today has been incredible.

According to a representative for Tyra Banks, the creator, host, and executive producer of America’s Next Top Model, Banks wasn’t involved in the incident and was just as surprised as the rest of the production team to learn what happened.

After the series, Shandi returned to work at Walgreens and quit modelling in 2014.

Where is Shandi Sullivan now?

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I’ve noticed something interesting – like many people who’ve been on America’s Next Top Model, even some of the winners, Shandi seems to live a pretty low-key life. It’s cool to see someone stepping away from the spotlight after being on such a big show.

Currently, Shandi co-hosts the horror movie podcast, Urn Fulla Popcorn, while also working full-time caring for cats.

Although she still experiences lingering sadness from her time on the show, Shandi finds joy in small things – like recording her podcast with a close friend, spending time with her cats, and making art.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to important documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she reported on reality TV and celebrity news. She has a journalism degree.

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2026-02-19 19:07