Former America’s Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones stands up for Tyra Banks amidst rumors that the show exploits contestants.

Jones spoke with TMZ and defended Banks saying that the host did nothing wrong by cashing in a fat paycheck on the competition show while the girls got $40 per diem and no residuals.

Jones said that it’s just a part of showbiz in the modeling industry. She noted that the show is ultimately a contest and that usually, people are not paid to compete in competitions because the goal is to win and earn prize money at the end. 

“We were not paid at all for being on the show,” the former plus-size model said.

Jones’s statement comes after allegations were raised following a harsh interview with the season nine Top Model contestant, Sarah Hartshorne, on The New York Post earlier this month. 

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As previously reported, Hartshorne said, “We were given a $38 daily cash stipend that we had to use to pay for our own food. And they didn’t even give us a microwave to heat the food up.”

After the interview aired, folks on social media threw shots at Banks claiming that the show exploits its contestants.

On Twitter, one user said, “The fact that girls on ANTM were getting paid $40 an episode and Tyra and them judges were making BANK is kinda sick.”

Hartshorne replied, “$40 a day, no residuals, and we had to pay for food.”

Another user also said, “Not to mention the work they obviously missed out on. People got bills to pay. The money they were making off the show.”

While another agreed, saying, “At this point, there should be a “Surviving ANTM” series.”

Jones, however, said she had no problem with that she got paid and added that the show provides networking opportunities for future jobs that offer better pay.