Angelea Preston: The Full Story Behind One of America's Next Top Model's Biggest Scandals
Angelea Preston's story is one of the most talked-about chapters in America's Next Top Model history. She competed on the show three separate times, was ultimately crowned a winner, and then had that title stripped away under circumstances that weren't publicly explained for years. In 2026, Angelea has finally told her side of the story in full, and it's brought her back into the spotlight, this time on her own terms.
Here's the complete story of who Angelea Preston is, what happened during her run on the show, and where her life has gone since.
Who Is Angelea Preston?
Angelea Preston is an American model turned journalist from Buffalo, New York. She first appeared on America's Next Top Model in Cycle 12, where she made it to the semifinals. During that season, she shared with judges that she'd had to sleep in a bus terminal just to reach her audition, and it was also revealed that she had previously lost a daughter.
Angelea's Three Runs on America's Next Top Model
Angelea returned to the franchise for Cycle 14, where several contestants noted the resemblance between her and fellow competitor Gabrielle. She placed third that season, the highest finish of anyone from that cycle, and became known for a memorable on-camera clash with contestant Sandra Nyanchoka. She went on to compete a third time on Cycle 17, subtitled "All-Stars," which brought together former non-winning contestants from across the show's history for a second shot at the title.
Winning America's Next Top Model: All-Stars, Then Losing It
In 2011, Angelea was crowned the original winner of Cycle 17 at 25 years old. By her own account, it was one of the best moments of her life. However, weeks before the season was set to air, she was informed that her win wouldn't be broadcast. According to Angelea, producers told her she was being disqualified for having previously worked as an escort, which was treated as a violation of a morality clause in her contract. The finale was reshot, and Lisa D'Amato, who had originally been the eighth contestant eliminated in Cycle 5, was crowned the winner instead, with Allison Harvard placed as runner-up for a second time in the franchise's history.
Angelea filed a lawsuit in 2014 over the incident, alleging breach of contract and labor law violations. The case was ultimately dropped in 2018. Producers, including Tyra Banks, have never publicly addressed her account of what happened in detail.
Example: How Angelea Reframed Her Disqualification Into Advocacy
A powerful example of how Angelea has approached this chapter of her life is the way she chose to speak publicly about it decades later, rather than staying silent. For years, she's said she felt too ashamed to discuss the real reason behind her disqualification. But in 2026, appearing in E!'s documentary series Dirty Rotten Scandals, she made the deliberate choice to share her full story, explaining that she wanted to use it to help others who feel trapped by their past. She's described being taken advantage of by a man during that period of her life, which led to being assaulted on multiple occasions before she was able to get out of the situation. Rather than framing herself purely as a victim of the show's decision, Angelea has used the platform to speak more broadly about trafficking and exploitation risks that newcomers can face in the modeling industry. This shift, from silence and shame to public advocacy, is a clear example of how she's tried to turn a painful and controversial chapter into something that might genuinely help someone else.
What Angelea Preston Is Doing Now
Since leaving the modeling world, Angelea has built a career in journalism. She graduated at the top of her class from Buffalo State University and went on to work as an on-air host for WBFO, an NPR affiliate station, where she has won awards for her reporting. She's described her current work as giving a platform to stories and communities in Buffalo that don't typically get television coverage. Angelea has also said she's writing a book about her experiences, which she has indicated will be released in the near future. On a personal note, she is also a mother to a teenage son.
Watch: Angelea Preston Reveals What Really Happened
FAQs
Did Angelea Preston win America's Next Top Model?
Yes, Angelea originally won Cycle 17, "All-Stars," in 2011, but was disqualified before the season aired and stripped of her title.
Why was Angelea Preston disqualified from America's Next Top Model?
According to Angelea, she was disqualified after producers learned she had previously worked as an escort, which was considered a violation of a morality clause in her contract.
Who won America's Next Top Model after Angelea was disqualified?
Lisa D'Amato was crowned the winner of Cycle 17 after the finale was reshot, with Allison Harvard placed as runner-up.
Did Angelea Preston sue America's Next Top Model?
Yes, she filed a lawsuit in 2014 alleging breach of contract and labor law violations related to her disqualification. The case was dropped in 2018.
What is Angelea Preston doing now?
Angelea has built a career in journalism, working as an on-air host for NPR affiliate WBFO in Buffalo, and has spoken publicly in 2026 about her ANTM experience as part of E!'s Dirty Rotten Scandals documentary series.
People Also Ask
How many times did Angelea Preston compete on America's Next Top Model?
Angelea competed three times: Cycle 12 (semifinalist), Cycle 14 (third place), and Cycle 17 "All-Stars" (originally crowned winner before disqualification).
What documentary features Angelea Preston's story?
Angelea's account of her disqualification is featured in E!'s two-part documentary series Dirty Rotten Scandals: America's Next Top Model, which premiered in March 2026.
Has Tyra Banks responded to Angelea Preston's claims?
Tyra Banks and America's Next Top Model producers have not directly addressed Angelea's detailed account of her disqualification, though a former supervising talent producer offered a brief, general comment on the matter in 2024.
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