Tyra Banks ‘Torches’ Santa in Viral Ice Cream Rant

New Delhi, December 09, 2025: The incident, which took place during an event promoting her new holiday dance single, “Santa SMiZE, Santa SMiZE,” saw Banks take the stage in a bright yellow wig and a matching Santa hat. The core of the viral controversy centered on her over-the-top, rambling tale about the classic Father Christmas.

The Santa Claus ‘Knock-Off’ Rant

In footage quickly shared across social media platforms, Banks launches into a theatrical explanation of what she claims the traditional Santa Claus does with the cookies and milk left out for him.

“Child, he ain’t biting that cookie. He ain’t sipping that cream,” she exclaimed, looking flushed and animated. “He taking a bowl from your cabinet, and he putting a little bit of cookie, and he putting a little bit of that milk, and he mixing it up. And then he put it in your freezer. And he trying to make it taste like Santa SMiZE, and it tastes like Santa s—!”

The highly animated performance, which included a clumsy rap and exaggerated expressions, left many in the audience—and later, millions online—visibly confused and concerned. One of the circulating clips even features a text overlay that reads, “Somebody come collect Tyra Banks.”

Debate Erupts Online

The viral video quickly fueled an intense debate over the former America’s Next Top Model host’s on-stage behavior.

• Concern vs. Character: While some commenters expressed genuine concern for Banks’ well-being, suggesting her appearance was “erratic” and questioning if she was “high,” others were quick to point out that her performance is entirely consistent with her long history of larger-than-life, theatrical public appearances. Banks has a well-known public stance of lifelong sobriety, having previously stated she rarely drinks alcohol and has never taken narcotics.
• A Marketing Masterpiece?: This “Santa-trashing” aligns perfectly with the lore of her new song, “Santa SMiZE, Santa SMiZE.” The track introduces Santa SMiZE—the first character from her ice cream universe—whose backstory claims that the familiar Santa Claus (Claus) stole the idea for Christmas delivery and his iconic red suit from her, a girl named Kelly, who was famous for making delicious ice cream from snow. Banks, who is known for her creative and sometimes eccentric marketing, may have intentionally sparked this bizarre confrontation to draw attention to her new holiday venture and its unconventional narrative.

Bigger Than a Scoop

Whether a performance art piece or an accidental mishap, the event has achieved its goal: it has made the global news cycle and given her SMiZE & DREAM brand, which also features her viral “hot ice cream,” another massive publicity boost.

Tyra Banks once again proves that she is a master of creating an unforgettable spectacle, turning a simple ice cream promotion into a viral, headline-grabbing moment that has redefined the “battle” for the holiday spotlight.