'America's Next Top Model' ejectee Ebony speaks up

Ebony shockingly handed Ambreal a second chance when she voluntarily bowed out of America's Next Top Model on Wednesday night's episode (Oct. 24). The girl who began as a diva, but showed her insecurities with a strange lip affectation and then finally had enough shares her thoughts behind her surprising decision.

When did you know you wanted to do that, leave?
E: The decision I made wasn't spur of the moment. Probably two weeks before, I decided to do what I did. I discussed it with Lisa, and she told me I shouldn't. I didn't want to be there. I didn't care for it, to be America's Next Top Model half as much as the other girls did. I didn't think it was fair.

(*Note: Only one other girl voluntarily took herself out of the competition, but not at judging. Cycle 5 contestant Cassandra, who had done beauty pageants, didn't like her really short haircut from the makeover. When Tyra noticed that it wasn't as short as she wanted it (like Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby), Cassandra decided to quit before they cut another inch from her head.)

How did you feel when Tyra called you a quitter?
E: When she called me a quitter I was a little upset by it, but I realized that people are entitled to their own opinions. And I did quit the show, but I realize that it wasn't my passion. I'm over the whole reality thing. Everyone has their opinions. I have my own opinions of [Tyra].

What are they?
E: I'm not going to discuss that. Nice try though.

Was stuff cut out during the elimination ceremony right after you told Tyra and then before she replied?
E: Stuff was definitely cut out, cut and paste. I can't talk about that unfortunately because of confidentiality agreements I signed. I can't talk about stuff that wasn't shown.

Did you say goodbye to the girls?
E: They didn't show that. I asked if I could say goodbye, and she said yes. So I went and hugged them. They were shocked. And then I went back and told Tyra sorry for wasting her time, and then she said what she said. That's fine though.

Why wasn't this for you?
E: I think it was the reality show. From watching the show, I thought it would be totally different. I really missed my family. I got homesick. I never got used to the cameras and microphones following me around. It was a whole nother world. At first I was worried about what people would say, what my father would say. I didn't want him disappointed in me. But I realized I wasn't happy, and I shouldn't think about what other people say or think. [My friends and family] have been very supportive of the decision I made. My dad is like, "You're still my next top model."

What have you learned about yourself from this experience?
E: The most important thing I learned is that family is so important and that money isn't everything. [When I started the show] I was the most shallow, materialistic person. I wanted to become a bigtime supermodel like Naomi Campbell or Tyra. I wanted expensive cars and everything. But there I was in this lavish house in the Hollywood Hills and I wasn't happy. I was wondering what my dad was doing. [Also] I learned to smile. Before the show, I never really smiled. I didn't realize how silly I looked before I saw that on the show. Now I can't stop smiling. I'm really happy ... As I watch the show, I did look a little dry coming into panel. I thought [the judges] were accurate on that.

Would you continue to pursue modeling outside of the reality TV world?
E: I thought about that. When I left, I thought I didn't want to have to do anything with modeling. But it was just the reality show. I'm not sure I want to make a career out of it. Nursing right now is my passion, so I'm going to school [Chicago State University] for that.

Why were you such a diva at the beginning and then changed?
E: When I was going into the competition, I thought they wanted a drama queen. So I created that person and was confronted by Tyra about it, which I totally deserved. So when I was in the house I was just myself and I got along with the girls. I thought [being a drama queen] would get me on the show.

What do you think about the way you were portrayed?
E: For some reason in the house I was joyful and happy like I am now, but going into panel, I never felt comfortable. I didn't feel like I could be myself, be comfortable, and it showed. They made it seem attitude-ish, but it was nervousness. I would get really nervous when she'd call my name in front of panel. I was shaking. I don't know why was so nervous. To this day I don't know. I don't know if I was intimidated or what it was. I just couldn't relax. I would do the thing with my lips when I was nervous.

How was your experience there with the girls?
E: I got along with everyone. I was involved in no fights. I wish all the girls the best. They were all wonderful. Whoever wins, I'll just be happy, and the girls who don't win, I wish them the best in the future endeavors. It was an amazing experience, an opportunity of a lifetime, but not for me. I met some amazing ladies who I keep in touch with today.

How was it meeting Tyson Beckford?
E: Oh my God, Tyson Beckford. I've always wanted to meet him. I was in the kitchen making toast, and he was just standing there. He's really nice and really hot. He's a sweet guy.

How did you approach the photo shoots, especially the last ones? Did you try?
E: I went in the photo shoots trying to give it a bang every week. Sometimes I failed at that. I never went in trying not to do well.

Like Victoria, modeling was not for her. Did you talk to her about that?
E: Yeah, Victoria and I had deep convesations. I was really sad when Victoria went home. I think she's a really sweet person. We talk about that a lot.

What did you think about the end of the show when they showed your audition clip?
E: It was sad, when they showed it. I cried. It was like I passed away or something. The funeral music and the slow motion. People called me up saying, "Oh my God, I was waiting for them to show 'Rest in Peace.'" I was surprised they showed that. They didn't do that for the other girls [who left].

Do you have the same opinion of Ebony after this interview?

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