GNTM 2026: Controversy Over Male Body Hair Removal and Search for Music Video Model

This year's groundbreaking male edition of "Germany's Next Topmodel" (GNTM) has become an arena not only for the search for a new face but also for heated discussions about contemporary standards of male beauty. During one episode, guest judge, Italian actor and model Michele Morrone, sparked a significant controversy by criticizing contestants for chest hair removal. His firm opinion that "men should not shave" was interpreted as a protest against the trend for smooth, naturally hairless bodies, which has dominated the fashion and modeling world for years. This statement, widely quoted in German-language media, divided public opinion. Some commentators saw it as a bold voice in defense of naturalness and diversity in the male image, while others accused Morrone of imposing rigid norms and lacking understanding for the individual choices of participants, who may be under immense image pressure. Parallel to this aesthetic debate, the show became a platform for a clearly commercial purpose. Swiss pop singer Beatrice Egli, also serving as a guest judge, openly admitted that she was participating in the program to find a model for her new music video. Her words that observing the candidates gave her "completely new fantasies" were noted by the portal "Blick.ch". This aspect of the reporting prompted comments about the boundaries of the reality show format. The question of to what extent the program serves the authentic discovery of talent, and to what extent it is used by celebrities to promote their own projects, became the subject of analysis. "Stern.de" in its episode summary focused on the harshness of the selection process, describing it as a "casting hell" managed by Heidi Klum, which contrasts with the lightness with which Egli treated it as a source of inspiration and casting. The program "Germany's Next Topmodel," broadcast since 2006 under the leadership of supermodel Heidi Klum, has long been one of the pillars of German entertainment television. Over the years, the format has evolved, introducing various innovations to maintain viewer interest. The decision for a fully male edition in 2026 fits into a broader, global trend of expanding the conventions of modeling competitions, which have traditionally been dominated by women. It is also a response to the growing market demand for male faces in advertising and fashion. These events show how a reality TV format, even one as established as GNTM, can become a mirror of broader social tensions. Morrone's statement touches on fundamental questions about the definition of masculinity in an era of widespread hair removal and selfie culture. It echoes a global discussion previously led by, among others, actors like Jason Momoa, who celebrate natural body hair. Meanwhile, Beatrice Egli's actions illustrate the economic and marketing mechanisms behind entertainment production. An artist's search for a model during a modeling contest can be seen as logical synergy, but also as an example of blurring the lines between competition and advertising. „„Männer sollten ihre Brusthaare nicht rasieren!”” — Italian actor and model Media reactions to these two threads were varied. While "20 Minuten" and "Focus" reported Morrone's words directly as the main attraction of the episode, "Stern.de" devoted more attention to the general dynamics of the program and Heidi Klum's role. "Blick.ch," on the other hand, focused on Egli's personal feelings. This diversity in framing shows how the same television event can be presented as a social controversy, celebrity news, or an analysis of an entertainment format.