Former America's Next Top Model judge Janice Dickinson never minces words when it comes to her former employer and long-time nemesis, Tyra Banks. Now she's claiming that her input at the judging table was rarely if ever considered, and that Covergirl (who provide a $100,000 contract to the winner), not the judges, pick "America's Next Top Model" every season.

"I experienced being on that show, being conned, thinking that I was actually helping judge a TV franchise. That actually my say had any input. But it really didn't. Covergirl are the people that choose the model, not any of the judges. Not what Tyra says," Dickinson said while appearing on a web show called "Alki David for the FilmOn Networks."

Dickinson claims that's why she left the show after four seasons: "When I found out, I split. I split."

Well, that's funny, because I thought I remembered Janice saying that she was fired ... but that's not the point! The point is that Dickinson says that Tyra's brand of reality TV is especially "unreal" and that none of the challenges or photo shoots or critiques actually matter.

"Definitely on Tyra's show, it's rigged."

Well, all those inane photo shoots this cycle would certainly seem to support Janice's claim. (Why bother asking the girls to really model if they're not really being judged?) And that also helps explains some of the show's past winners, though I'm not naming names. (But you can. In the comments!)

Watch the interview, but be warned, Ms. Dickinson's got one very bold final statement for the very wealthy Ms. Banks (NSFW! NSFW!):


Even if Janice is embellishing, her timing for these comments is apropos, considering that tonight's America's Next Top Model finale (9pm, CW) involves a mysterious last-minute "disqualification" for one of the three finalists.

What do you think about Janice's latest fit of rage against the Bankable machine?

And a follow-up, since I'm anticipating a big "Duuuuuh!" from some: Does hearing the word "rigged" out loud actually affect your enjoyment of Top Model one way or the other?



(Image courtesy of WENN)