When Angelea Preston revealed that her America’s Next Top Model win was compromised because she was briefly forced to work as an escort, fans were aghast.
The long-running reality competition show is still a hot topic of conversation, today, on social media, with host Tyra Banks‘ past behavior being called into question by Twitterati and other members of the modeling industry. But Preston’s ANTM elimination seemed to sting more than most because of Preston’s unfortunate circumstances, which she revealed — in graphic detail — in an exclusive interview with Bustle.
After escaping from her situation, Preston was contacted by the producers of America’s Next Top Model to appear in an “all-stars” version of the show. But after it was revealed that she was forced into prostitution — which the show deemed “illegal,” even though she was the victim and not the perpetrator — her win was disqualified, and she claims that the producers offered no protection or help for her in the future.
Preston’s story is a sad one — and far from an outlier in the modeling industry, whose pipeline to escorting has been well-documented by outlets like the New York Post.
Fortunately, though, other fan favorites from the show fared much better than Preston did.
Let’s take a look at where some other ANTM contestants are today.
Saleisha Stowers
Saleisha Stowers was a contestant on the ninth cycle of ANTM, which she subsequently won — becoming the fourth Black woman in the show’s history to take home the top prize. As the winner, she went on to secure a CoverGirl contract and was subsequently featured on the cover of Seventeen.
Today, however, Stowers is known as an actress. She currently plays Lani on the long-running NBC daytime drama, Days of Our Lives, and the legendary Jackée Harry plays her mother, Paulina!
Bloom bravely, Flourish fiercely. Xx🌹 pic.twitter.com/fnRskBqZDD
— Sal Stowers (@SalStowers) January 28, 2022
Eva Marcille
When she first started out on America’s Next Top Model, she was known as Eva Pigford. Under that name, she won the third cycle of the show, securing a Ford modeling contract and the cover of Elle in the process. She also — like many of the other show’s winners — secured a contract with CoverGirl cosmetics.
These days, however, Marcille is known for her starring role on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where she brought nothing but drama (as can be expected). She is now married to an attorney named Michael Sterling, with whom she shares two sons. She also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
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— Eva Marcille (@EvaMarcille) March 21, 2020
Toccara Jones
Even though Toccara Jones never placed above fourth place during her time on America’s Next Top Model, she was one of the most memorable contestants on the show. And even though she didn’t win her cycle, she still models to this day. After doing campaigns for the likes of Avon and Torrid, Toccara signed with Wilhelmina Models as a plus-size model — and today, she’s designing intimate products for plus-size women when she’s not actively modeling, acting and occasionally singing.
— Toccara Jones (@iamTOCCARA) February 7, 2015
Ebony Emecca Haith
Born in the Bronx, the mononymic Ebony was a contestant on the premier cycle of ANTM. But after she was eliminated, she signed to Downtown and Uptown Model Management and secured spreads in Esquire and Height magazines. Today, she’s left the modeling field — and in an exclusive interview with CinemaBlend, revealed that she’s currently pursuing a nursing career.
What is going on with the weather 2 mouth ago it was 75….the next day it was snowing….I miss the sun…we where blessed and tuck advantage of that hot day to do a shoot.. pic.twitter.com/2wpNEFlhyD
— Ebony Haith (@EbonyHaith) March 18, 2018
Krista White
As the winner of the fourteenth cycle of America’s Next Top Model, Krista White secured a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl and appeared on the cover of Seventeen. Today, she’s still in fashion — albeit in a different way. She’s the fashion director for DLXVRSN (Deluxe Version) magazine, a luxury online publication.
@jenpbradley @chefcarlapelleg @Bratalian_LV thank you Carla for the amaaaaazing dinner last night! So delicious! pic.twitter.com/sIQnXM2Fo9
— Deluxe Version Magazine (@DLXVRSN) October 16, 2015
Teyona Anderson
Considered one of the most versatile girls from America’s Next Top Model, Teyona Anderson became the winner of the 12th cycle of the show. She secured a contract with Elite Models and subsequently walked the runway several times in South Africa. Today, however, her Instagram page reveals that while she still occasionally models, she’s more focused on raising her son, Anderson.
Danielle Evans
The winner of the sixth cycle of ANTM, Danielle Evans (who, today, goes by Dani Evans) is now the designer and founder of Monrowe clothing, which has also been featured on Oprah and counts Sarah Jessica Parker among its fans.