ANTM star reveals hand gesture she did after elimination was cast's secret code for 'f--- you' to...

Ambreal Williams exclusively tells EW the cycle 9 models had a code language they used unbeknownst to production staff: &34;Figured the bulls out right away.&34

Ambreal Williams exclusively tells EW the cycle 9 models had a code language they used unbeknownst to production staff: "Figured the bulls--- out right away."

ANTM star reveals hand gesture she did after elimination was cast's secret code for 'f--- you' to Tyra Banks (exclusive)

Ambreal Williams exclusively tells EW the cycle 9 models had a code language they used unbeknownst to production staff: "Figured the bulls--- out right away."

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Published on July 29, 2025 03:43PM EDT

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Ambreal Williams and Tyra Banks on 'America's Next Top Model' cycle 9. Credit:

The CW Network/Prime

- Ambreal Williams exclusively tells EW about her time on *ANTM* cycle 9.

- She reveals that the hand gesture she did during her elimination was secret code for "f--- you" to host Tyra Banks.

- "We had an inside joke" that the cast would use throughout production, Williams says.

*America's Next Top Model* alums know modeling is all about the art of the pose — including flashing a hand gesture that's secretly meant to communicate a strong "f--- you" to host Tyra Banks.

In an exclusive interview with **, cycle 9 model Ambreal Williams reveals that, 18 years after her elimination from the modeling competition series, the flamboyant hand gesture she performed as she exited the set was actually the cast's secret code for "f--- you" — a signal they cultivated behind-the-scenes throughout the frustrating production of the show.

"We had an inside joke within the group," Williams tells EW on a video call, pointing fans to look out for it when they rewatch her elimination at the end of episode 9 of the cycle. "It was a 'f--- you.' So, when I was eliminated, you saw me [raise my hands] and walk off the stage."**

Ambreal Williams does secret 'f--- you' gesture to Tyra Banks on 'America's Next Top Model'.

The CW Network/Prime

The gesture in question, as Williams demonstrates on our video call, involved the cast throwing their arm (or, sometimes, arms) into the air as if they were throwing a basketball into a hoop from afar.

EW viewed the footage from Williams' elimination following our interview, and the contestant does indeed perform the gesture just before strutting off the stage as the other contestants — particularly Chantal Jones and Bianca Golden — laugh in reaction to the bit.

Williams explains that, after receiving multiple negative comments from the judges about her "dead" eyes and "hoochie" demeanor in shoots throughout the season, she "figured the bulls--- out right away" and no longer felt welcome in the competition.**

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As did many other contestants, she says, leading them to hone their secret language when they grew frustrated with behind-the-scenes matters.

Things grew worse, Williams recalls, after she was originally set to be eliminated on episode 6, upon which she appeared in the bottom two alongside contestant Ebony Morgan. However, the latter competitor ended up refusing to take her place among the remaining cast members, and quit the competition.

This prompted Banks to allow Williams to stay in Morgan's place. "I knew I had a time limit. Once I was eliminated, they couldn't eliminate me *right away* again," Williams remembers of the moment.

Ultimately, she lasted an additional week in the competition beyond her intended elimination. "But, once Tyra told me I was 'hoochie' [in an Enrique Iglesias music video shoot], I was like, alright, babe. I'd already spoken to the girls. They were trying to get rid of me."

Cycle 9 was eventually won by Saleisha Stowers, who herself endured controversy after fans uncovered that the Stowers had met Banks prior to the competition, as she'd appeared in a Wendy's commercial, modeled clothing on* The Tyra Banks Show* talk show, and attended Banks' TZone leadership camp at age 14.**

Bianca, Jenah, Saleisha, Chantal, Heather, and Lisa react to Ambreal's elimination on 'ANTM'.

The CW Network/Prime

Williams, who worked steadily as a model following her time on the show, says that the actual fashion industry wasn't warmly receptive to *ANTM* alums throughout the aughts.

"When I started modeling, I actually couldn't mention that I was on the show," Williams admits. "After the fact, I lost a Wrangler's campaign because I told them that I was on *Top Model.* I was supposed to be on *Project Runway* as a model [until] that day I told them I was on *Top Model*. My agent used to get so mad at me, and I didn't realize. So, I stopped telling people I was on *Top Model* and I started booking stuff because they didn't know. I knew that they were not showing my best photos [on the show] because I was getting booked [after the show]."

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Still, after all of that, Williams tells EW she would definitely go back for an all-stars edition if Banks — whom we previously reported had no plans to bring *ANTM* back for new installments — called.

"I had fun, I made some good friends," Williams says. "I don't think Tyra even remembers me, with so many of us in this sorority. But, I did learn how TV works and what goes on!"

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