Miss J. Alexander is opening up about a painful part of his recovery that had nothing to do with physical therapy.
In Netflix’s Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, the fashion icon revealed that after suffering a stroke in December 2022, he did not hear from Tyra Banks, despite their long history on America’s Next Top Model.
The stroke left Miss J. Alexander paralyzed from the waist down and hospitalized for months. “I woke up and didn’t know where I was other than the hospital,” he said. “I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t talk.”
While Miss J focused on survival and recovery, two familiar faces showed up. Former judges Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker visited him in the hospital, a moment that brought him to tears.
“I taught models how to walk. And now I can’t walk.”
— Netflix (@netflix) February 16, 2026
Miss J Alexander reveals he suffered a stroke a few years ago — but is determined to walk again.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is now on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/WoQbcL7pPT
“I missed them so much,” he said, recalling how seeing them reminded him of their years working together.
When asked if Banks visited, Miss J replied simply, “No, not yet.” He added that she later sent a text saying she wanted to come by, but the visit had not happened at the time of filming.
As he continues healing, Miss J reflected on what he has lost and what he hopes to regain. “I taught models how to walk,” he said. “Now I can’t walk yet. But I’m determined. It’s not over for me.”
