Tyra Banks: 7 Shocking New Moves And The $2.8 Million Lawsuit Rocking Her Empire In 2025

Tyra Banks remains a force in the entertainment and business world, constantly reinventing her image and expanding her entrepreneurial empire. As of December 2025, the supermodel-turned-mogul is navigating a high-stakes lawsuit, making waves with her innovative "hot" ice cream business, and re-entering the acting world, proving that her career is anything but predictable. This article breaks down the most recent and surprising updates from the woman who taught the world how to "smize." The last few years have seen Banks shift her focus almost entirely to her role as a "super-businesswoman," cementing her status far beyond the runway. From her historic cover appearances to her groundbreaking reality TV shows, she has consistently shattered ceilings, and her current endeavors are no exception to her relentless pursuit of innovation and success.

Tyra Banks: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Tyra Lynne Banks (born December 4, 1973) is an American supermodel, television personality, talk show host, actress, and businesswoman.

• Born: Inglewood, California.
• Full Name: Tyra Lynne Banks.
• Age (as of December 2025): 52 years old.
• Career Start: Began modeling at the age of 15, signing with Elite Model Management.
• Historic Milestones: She was the first African American woman to be featured on the covers of both GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
• Television Success: Created and hosted the global hit reality competition America's Next Top Model (ANTM) and hosted her own daytime talk show, The Tyra Banks Show.
• Recent TV Role: Served as the host of Dancing with the Stars.
• Business Ventures: Founder of the ice cream company Smize & Dream.

The Smize & Dream Empire Faces a $2.8 Million Lawsuit

Tyra Banks has fully embraced her entrepreneurial persona, dedicating significant energy to her ice cream company, Smize & Dream. However, this "passion venture" is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle that has captured recent headlines.

A former landlord has filed a massive $2.8 million lawsuit against Banks, alleging a substantial debt related to the ice cream brand. This lawsuit casts a shadow over the brand's rapid expansion and highlights the often-turbulent nature of launching a major food business, even for a mogul with a large megaphone.

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Despite the legal challenges, Banks remains committed to the brand, which has become famous for its "hot" ice cream—a product she personally promoted at Artechouse NYC in December 2025. Smize & Dream is the culmination of Banks' lifelong dream and is central to her current identity as a "super-businesswoman."

The 'Hot' Ice Cream and Experiential Attraction

Smize & Dream is not just a typical frozen dessert company. The brand focuses on "hot ice cream," a viral, innovative concept that has generated significant buzz. Banks has stated that she views herself as a small business owner, emphasizing the hard work required to launch a product, even with her celebrity status.

Adding to her unique vision, Banks has also unveiled plans for a "first-of-its-kind experiential attraction." This project is described as a fantasy version of the modeling world, designed to be an immersive, interactive experience. This concept aligns perfectly with her history of creating engaging, reality-bending entertainment, from ANTM to her current ventures, solidifying her role as an innovator in both retail and entertainment.

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Why Tyra Banks Skipped the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

One of the most talked-about moments in late 2025 was the return of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and the conspicuous absence of one of its most legendary Angels. Tyra Banks, a long-time fixture and icon of the brand, did not return to the New York runway for the show in October 2025.

Banks personally revealed the reason for her absence. She explained that she was unable to return to New York to walk the show due to prior commitments. This revelation was a major point of discussion among fashion and pop culture enthusiasts, as Banks' history with Victoria's Secret is a cornerstone of her supermodel legacy. Her decision highlights her current prioritization of her business and other creative endeavors over a full-time return to the runway.

Her Shocking New Look and Upcoming Acting Role

Tyra Banks continues to turn heads with her physical appearance, sparking curiosity and discussion in the media. In February 2025, she attended the ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles, sporting long hair worn down around her shoulders, showcasing a stunning and fresh look.

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Her timeless appearance has been a subject of public fascination. In a 2023 interview, Banks attributed her youthful look, in part, to having "extra weight" on her face. However, recent public appearances have led to speculation about her changing appearance, with some outlets commenting on her weight loss and suggesting a "new look" at various galas.

Beyond her business and public appearances, Banks is set to make a return to acting. She is reportedly involved in an upcoming project for Peacock's hit series Bel-Air. This move back into scripted television showcases her desire to maintain a multi-hyphenate career, balancing her roles as a model, entrepreneur, and actress. Her involvement with a high-profile show like Bel-Air is a significant development for her fans and a testament to her enduring appeal in Hollywood.