Who Is Erik Asla, The Father Of Tyra Banks' Son?

Supermodel Tyra Banks may have risen to fame gracing the covers of magazines and strutting her stuff down fashion runways, but she also embarked on a successful career in acting and television. Despite achieving many things throughout her career, the "America's Next Top Model" host had always expressed her desire to wanting to become a mother.

During an episode of "FABLife" in 2015, Banks opened up about her struggles with starting a family of her own. While getting teary, she sympathized with those who are constantly being asked why they don't have children, admitting it's "not so easy" for everyone. During another episode of the same show the following day, Banks admitted she had been trying to get pregnant through IVF but hadn't been successful yet. The following year, the "Life-Size" actor announced the incredible news that she had welcomed a son, York, via a surrogate mother. "We are so excited for our new baby boy bundle of joy," she told People in a statement (via Elle). "The journey to now has not been an easy process, as I've shared before. But there was a beautiful bright light at the end of the tunnel for me and his father, Erik."

Despite her high-profile status, Banks has always tried to keep her relationships private, leaving many wondering: Who actually is Erik Asla, the father of her son?

The father of Tyra Banks' son, York, is Erik Asla. According to his personal website, he is a professional photographer who was born in Norway. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a "protege of celebrated image-maker Herb Ritts" and has since opened up his own exhibitions. In his Instagram bio, he refers to himself as a "visual artist." His resume includes shooting for Allure, Harper's Bazaar, and German Vogue. As noted by Page Six, he and Banks first laid eyes on each other when Asla appeared as a guest on "Norway's Next Top Model" in 2013. Later on, he appeared to work on Banks' version of the show, "America's Next Top Model," as a photographer, per IMDb.

When announcing the news of being a mother on her Instagram page, Banks revealed what qualities her son shares with his parents. "The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here," she wrote. "He's got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik's mouth and chin. As we thank the angel of a woman that carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone. York Banks Asla, welcome to the world."

After five years of dating, Page Six confirmed that Tyra Banks and Erik Asla had split in October 2017. The news came over a year after they welcomed their son, York, via a surrogate mother. "It came drama-free and they're co-parenting their young son," an inside source close to Banks revealed. The two remained on friendly terms and continued to work alongside one another. "He is slated to shoot the photos for the opening credits of the upcoming 'America's Next Top Model,'" they added. As noted by the outlet, it was said that Asla had already moved out of their home in Los Angeles.

In 2020, Banks opened up to Scary Mommy about the difficulties she faced when pregnant with York. "Mine wasn't just strictly infertility. It was also having trouble holding the baby inside of me," she explained. "A couple of friends knew what I was going through. And I just wanted to keep that private until my son was born and to be transparent about that. I feel very fortunate that I was able to have my son after many, many, many rounds of IVF." While Banks would love to have more kids, she is grateful for the son she has. "I'm one and done but not by choice," Banks added.