Key Highlights
- Miss J. Alexander revealed she had a stroke in 2022 that left her paralyzed.
- Tyra Banks did not visit Alexander in the hospital during his health scare.
- The incident was kept secret for nearly four years and surfaced in Netflix’s new docuseries.
Miss J. Alexander’s Private Struggle
Miss J., a beloved figure on America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), revealed a private health struggle that has been kept under wraps for nearly four years. In Netflix’s latest docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, Miss J. disclosed his diagnosis of a stroke on December 27, 2022.
A Stroke and Hospitalization
“I had a stroke,” he said with emotion. “I woke up, I didn’t know where I was, other than the hospital.” The recovery process was not easy; he spent five weeks in a coma and faced significant challenges like loss of mobility and speech.
Missing Support: Tyra Banks
A key revelation from the docuseries is that Tyra Banks, who has known Miss J. for many years, did not visit him during his hospitalization. A producer asked, “Did Tyra come and visit you?” Miss J.’s response was telling: “No, not yet. She just sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me. But, no, not yet.”
Reunion and Reflection
The docuseries includes a heartwarming reunion between Miss J., Nigel Barker, and Jay Manuel in a New York City studio. The trio’s past collaboration on the show was revisited with emotional intensity. “The thing is, you’re here,” Manuel said to his friend, showing support.
Miss J.’s Determination
Reflecting on his health journey, Miss J. expressed determination: “I miss being the queen of the runway. The catwalks, of course. I’m the person who taught models how to walk, and now I can’t walk — not yet!
Not yet. I’m determined to walk. I’m sure you’re going to see me again, I’m sure. It’s not over for me yet.”
Though details from the docuseries paint a poignant picture of Miss J.’s resilience in the face of adversity, it also highlights the complexities within the entertainment industry where personal bonds can sometimes be overshadowed by professional obligations.