Tyra Banks has spent decades in the spotlight, but when it comes to her personal life, she’s actually a bit of a vault. People are constantly asking who is tyra banks baby daddy because she doesn’t exactly parade her domestic life on Instagram every five minutes.
His name is Erik Asla.
He’s a Norwegian photographer who looks exactly like what you’d imagine a high-end European artist to look like—sharp features, Salt-and-pepper hair, and a very "fashion" vibe. They were together for about five years, and honestly, they seemed like one of those power couples that just worked because they shared a creative language.
The Man Behind the Camera: Erik Asla
Erik isn't just "some guy" Tyra met at a club. He’s a legitimate heavyweight in the photography world.
He actually started out as an assistant to the legendary Herb Ritts. If you know anything about 90s fashion photography, Ritts was the king. Erik clearly learned from the best because he went on to shoot for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Basically, he knows how to make people look expensive.
Tyra and Erik met on the set of Norway’s Next Top Model. It’s kinda poetic, right? The queen of America's Next Top Model finds love on the international version of her own show.
They started dating around 2013. For a long time, they kept things pretty low-key, which is rare for someone as famous as Tyra. They weren't hiding, but they weren't selling their relationship to the tabloids either.
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The Arrival of York Banks Asla
In January 2016, everything changed. Tyra announced the birth of her son, York Banks Asla.
This wasn’t a "surprise pregnancy" or a "whoops" moment. It was a miracle they fought for. Tyra has been incredibly open about her struggles with infertility. She’s talked about the "traumatic" rounds of IVF that just didn't take.
She once told People magazine about the heartbreak of setting up a nursery only to have the treatment fail. It’s the kind of pain that many women go through in silence, but Tyra put a face to it.
York was born via a gestational surrogate.
When he finally arrived, Tyra posted a photo of a baby hat and wrote about the "angel of a woman" who carried him. She mentioned that York had her "fingers and big eyes" but his "daddy Erik’s mouth and chin."
What Happened to Tyra and Erik?
The couple eventually split in late 2017.
Usually, when a high-profile couple breaks up, it’s messy. There are "sources" leaking drama to TMZ and lawyers fighting over assets. But with Tyra and Erik? It was surprisingly quiet.
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They reportedly stayed friends. In fact, Erik even worked on the opening credits for America's Next Top Model after they had already called it quits.
They’ve been co-parenting York ever since. Honestly, they’ve set a pretty solid example of how to handle a breakup when there’s a kid involved. No public shade, no drama—just two people raising their son.
Fast Forward: Where Are They Now in 2026?
As of 2026, York is ten years old. Ten! Time flies, especially in Hollywood years.
Tyra is still very protective of his privacy. You won’t see her posting his face every day, but she does share little anecdotes. Apparently, the kid is a linguistic genius. Years ago, she mentioned he was already speaking three languages: English, Spanish, and Norwegian.
Erik Asla has shifted a bit more into the fine art world. He’s still doing photography, but it’s more about exhibitions and "visual artistry" these days than just shooting covers for Glamour. He has three other daughters from previous relationships—Tatjana, Taylor, and Tatum—so York has a bunch of older sisters.
Tyra, meanwhile, has been linked to Canadian businessman Louis Bélanger-Martin for a few years now. He’s the CFO of her ice cream brand, Smize & Dream. So, she’s moved on, but Erik will always be a permanent fixture in her world because of York.
Key Facts About Tyra Banks' Family
If you’re just looking for the quick hits, here’s the reality:
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- The Father: Erik Asla, a Norwegian photographer and artist.
- The Child: York Banks Asla, born January 27, 2016.
- The Method: York was born via gestational surrogacy after Tyra’s long battle with infertility.
- The Relationship: Tyra and Erik dated from 2013 to 2017.
- Co-Parenting Status: Amicable and professional; they still work together occasionally.
Life Lessons from Tyra’s Journey
There is actually some real-world advice to take away from Tyra's experience with motherhood and her relationship with Erik.
1. Modern families don't have to look one way.
Tyra used a surrogate, co-parents with an ex, and remains friends with her child's father. It’s not the traditional "white picket fence" story, but it works for them.
2. Protect your peace.
Even though she’s a global superstar, Tyra kept the "dirty laundry" of her breakup private. By not trashing her "baby daddy" in the press, she protected York from having to read that stuff when he grows up.
3. It’s okay to be open about the struggle.
By talking about her IVF failures, Tyra helped de-stigmatize infertility for millions of women. If you're going through something similar, knowing that even a "Superwoman" like Tyra Banks struggled can be weirdly comforting.
If you’re following Tyra’s current ventures, like her return to the Victoria's Secret runway or her ice cream empire, it’s clear she’s in a great place. And despite the "who is he?" mystery that pops up every few years, Erik Asla remains the quiet, artistic partner who helped her achieve her dream of becoming a mom.
To keep up with Tyra's latest moves, you can follow her official social channels, but don't expect too many glimpses of York. She’s keeping that "miracle baby" largely out of the paparazzi's reach, and honestly, you can't blame her.