The 4 Biggest Cheating Scandals On Project Runway That Led To Disqualification And Drama

The integrity of a high-stakes fashion competition like Project Runway is constantly tested by the immense pressure to succeed. Since its debut, the show has prided itself on providing a level playing field where designers must create their garments within strict time limits and using only the materials provided. This commitment to fairness has, however, been dramatically punctuated by shocking moments of rule-breaking, leading to on-air confrontations, dramatic disqualifications, and long-lasting controversy that still fuels fan discussions today, even as of December 12, 2025.

The rules are clear: no outside assistance, no pre-made garments, and no unauthorized materials. When these lines are crossed, the consequences are immediate and severe. From designers smuggling in forbidden books to using secret measurements taken in the apartment, these incidents have become legendary footnotes in the show’s history, proving that even in the world of high fashion, the drama behind the seams is often more compelling than the garments themselves.

The Full List of Disqualified Designers & Major Scandals

Over two decades, only a handful of designers have been formally disqualified for cheating, while a few others have been at the center of explosive, season-defining controversies. These are the incidents that truly tested the patience of mentors like Tim Gunn and the show’s producers, forcing the production to take unprecedented action.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

1. Keith Michael: The First Rulebreaker (Season 3)

Keith Michael was the first contestant in Project Runway history to be formally disqualified from the competition, setting a precedent for the show’s strict enforcement of its rules. His ouster remains one of the most memorable moments from the show’s early seasons.

Keith Michael: Designer Profile & Biography

• Full Name: Keith Michael Rizza
• Date of Birth: January 14, 1972
• Hometown/Origin: Brooklyn, New York
• Specialty: Menswear Designer
• Season: Project Runway Season 3 (2006)
• Status: Disqualified (Episode 4)

The Incident and Aftermath

The scandal unfolded during Season 3 when it was discovered that Michael had pattern-making books and fashion history how-to guides stored in his room at the designers' apartment.

The rules of the competition are explicit: designers must not bring in or reference any outside materials that could give them an unfair advantage over their competitors.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Upon the discovery, Michael was immediately asked to leave the competition. He maintained at the time that he did not actually cheat, but rather that the possession of the books—regardless of whether he used them—was a clear violation of the contract he signed.

The incident was a landmark moment, establishing that simply *possessing* unauthorized materials was enough to warrant a disqualification, cementing the show's stance on competitive integrity.

2. Claire Buitendorp: The Infamous Tape Measure Scandal (Season 16)

The disqualification of Claire Buitendorp in Season 16 remains arguably the most dramatic and widely discussed cheating scandal in the show’s run. It involved a direct confrontation on the runway and a tearful exit.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Claire Buitendorp: Designer Profile & Biography

• Full Name: Claire Buitendorp
• Hometown/Origin: Grand Ledge, Michigan
• Specialty: Streetwear, Co-owner/Creative Director of a streetwear brand
• Season: Project Runway Season 16 (2017)
• Status: Disqualified (Episode 9)
• Note: She was a twin, and her sister, Shawn Buitendorp, was also a contestant on the same season.

The Incident, The Twin Connection, and The Denial

The scandal came to a head when fellow designer Margarita Alvarez noticed that Claire’s latest design bore a striking resemblance to a garment she had previously created.

The investigation revealed that Claire had been taking measurements of her clothing in her room at the apartment—a space where tools are forbidden—and then recreating those measurements in the workroom.

The key piece of evidence was a small, unauthorized tape measure found in her belongings. This practice of taking "outside measurements" was deemed a clear case of bringing outside assistance into the competition.

Upon being confronted by Tim Gunn, Claire admitted to the violation and was disqualified. The drama continued at the Season 16 reunion, where she attempted to backpedal, claiming she didn't technically "cheat," but the decision to disqualify her stood firm.

3. "Tape-Gate": The Michael Costello vs. Ivy Higa Controversy (Season 8)

While not resulting in a formal disqualification, the "Tape-Gate" controversy from Season 8 became a major source of drama and a prime example of how quickly cheating allegations can escalate in the intense environment of the workroom.

The Allegation and The Reality

The incident centered on designer Michael Costello, who was accused by fellow contestant Ivy Higa of using double-stick tape, specifically a product called "Topstick," on his garment during the "Jackie Kennedy Challenge."

Ivy Higa vehemently claimed that using the tape was a form of cheating, as it provided an unfair structural advantage to the garment that a sewn seam would not.

When the show’s mentor, Tim Gunn, weighed in on the issue, he clarified that the issue was a "case of a non-case." He explained that it was Michael's model who took the initiative to tape herself into the dress, and the show's rules did not explicitly forbid the use of Topstick by the models to secure their clothing.

Ultimately, no formal action was taken against Michael Costello, but the public feud and the accusations of a rule violation cemented the incident as one of the show's most memorable controversies, highlighting the grey areas in the rulebook.

4. The Winner Controversy: Shantall Lacayo's Upset Victory (Season 19)

The most recent and significant controversy did not involve a technical rule violation but rather a widespread fan and competitor perception that the winner was "cheating" the spirit of the competition by receiving an undeserved victory.

The Disagreement Over Judging

In the Season 19 finale, Shantall Lacayo was announced as the winner, securing the $250,000 prize and a feature in Elle magazine.

However, the decision immediately sparked outrage among a large segment of the fanbase and even runner-up Kristina Kharlashkina, who publicly spoke out against the result.

Fans took to social media, with many calling Shantall a "cheat" and claiming her victory was undeserved, arguing that another finalist, particularly Kristina, should have won.

While the allegations of "cheating" were directed at the judging panel's decision rather than a technical rule violation—such as bringing in outside materials or assistance—the intense reaction underscored the passion and scrutiny that viewers apply to the show's fairness.

The Strict Rules of the Project Runway Workroom

The reason these scandals are so impactful is the rigorous nature of the Project Runway competition. The show is designed to test a designer's raw talent, speed, and ability to work under pressure, which is why the rules against external help are so stringent.

The core philosophy is that every garment must be conceived and created entirely within the confines of the workroom and the designated time limit. This principle is upheld by several key regulations:

• No Outside Materials: Designers are only allowed to use materials purchased from Mood Fabrics or provided for a specific challenge. Items like pattern-making books or fashion guides are strictly forbidden.
• No Outside Assistance: All work must be completed by the designer themselves, with the exception of the professional seamstresses provided for the final New York Fashion Week collections.
• Tool Restrictions: Tools, including simple items like a tape measure or rulers, are not permitted in the designers’ living quarters to prevent them from getting a head start or using unauthorized measurements.
• Time Limits: Challenges have strict deadlines, and any attempt to gain extra time or work outside the allotted hours is a major rule violation.

The Legacy of Cheating on Project Runway

The legacy of the cheating scandals is a double-edged sword for the franchise. On one hand, they provide explosive, high-drama television that drives ratings and water-cooler discussion. On the other, they constantly force the production team to re-evaluate and tighten the security and rules to maintain the integrity of the competition.

The incidents involving Keith Michael and Claire Buitendorp serve as permanent warnings to future contestants: the production is not afraid to disqualify a designer, regardless of how far they have advanced in the competition. The swift, public nature of these ousters reinforces the idea that the competition is a true test of talent, not of who can best bend or break the rules.

Ultimately, these moments of controversy—whether a clear-cut rule violation or a fan disagreement over judging—are now part of the show's rich history, ensuring that the drama of the Project Runway workroom extends far beyond the final stitch.