Yes that's true, Banks just let go of her long-time panel of expert judges and mentors. The three apparently received their notices Thursday morning which states that their contracts will no longer be renewed for Cycle 18. A few minutes later when news of this broke out to media, the official Facebook page of Tyra Banks confirms the story to be true.
She wrote, "To my Nigel Barker, Miss J, and Mr Jay: Thank you for all of our years together on America's Next Top Model," Banks wrote. "Working with you is always an absolute pleasure. Excited for what the future holds for us."
Later on, an official statement was also released by Banks and co-producer of the show, Ken Monk: "Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander have been an integral part of the America's Next Top Model brand and they helped turn this show into the household name it is today. They have been amazing assets to the show and will always be a part of the Top Model family. We will continue to actively work with each of them on future projects."
Photographer Barker, runway coach Alexander, and creative director Manuel, have been with America's Next Top Model since its start way back in 2003.
Photo Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty