BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Model Tyra Banks (L) and photographer Erik Asla attends the August Getty Atelier Dinner at the Montage Hotel Rooftop Grill on November 19, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for August Getty Atelier)
We all know Tyra Banks has the cutest son, York Banks Asla, but how much do you know about York’s father, Erik Asla? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Erik — scroll down to see!
When did Tyra and Erik start dating?
The duo began dating in 2013 after the supermodel was introduced to Erik — who was born in Norway and later moved to Los Angeles for work — on the set of Norway’s Next Top Model for which Erik served as a judge. He later joined the cast of America’s Next Top Model making several appearances from 2014 to 2015 as a photographer. Though they tried to keep their romance under wraps, they were photographed holding hands and kissing during a lunch date and it all but gave their secret romance away.
Courtesy of Erik Asla/Instagram
When did Tyra and Erik have York?
Tyra and Erik — who is nine years the star’s senior — welcomed their only child, son York, via surrogate in January 2016. “The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here,” Tyra wrote on Instagram at the time. “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.” Erik similarly took to Instagram to share the news of his son’s birth. “Witnessing the dawn of life is quite possibly life’s greatest gift,” he wrote. How sweet!
Did Tyra and Erik break up?
Unfortunately, the couple went their separate ways. Tyra and Erik reportedly split after five years of dating in early October 2017. “It came drama-free,” a source said of the break-up, adding the two planned to co-parent and even work together going forward, and seem to have been doing just that ever since.
What is Erik’s job?
Erik is a renowned photographer whose work has appeared in many well-known magazines. According to SheKnows, Erik “studied under the legendary image-maker, Herb Ritts.” In July 2017, Erik revealed on Instagram that he sometimes likes to do “clean shoots.” He continued, “No impressive and talented collaborators, no assistants or light sources or anything else. Just inspiration and a beautiful and alluring subject who truly enjoys the process of creating magic together. This is what creativity is all about.” He reportedly has a net worth of around $3 million.
Courtesy of Erik Asla/Instagram
Does Erik have other kids?
Yes, Erik is also a father to three daughters who live with him in L.A., according to his website.
