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These ‘Dr. Phil’ Controversies Illustrate Why the Show Was So Reviled
Twelve current and former employees report verbal abuse and intimidation, while multiple lawsuits allege unethical treatment and exploitation over the show's 21-year history.
Across multiple years, lawsuits and criticism targeted Dr. Phil McGraw, including defamation suits by the Kalpoe brothers and negligence claims from a former guest and staff. attorneys for McGraw and CBS denied the allegations.
A 2022 BuzzFeed News report said 12 current and former Dr. Phil employees described verbal abuse and a culture of fear, intimidation, and racism, according to staffers.
Investigations and former guests reported that McGraw's staff locked about 300 employees in a room to find a leaker and producers directed families to find drugs or gave guests substances, according to allegations.
Attorneys for McGraw and CBS and a show spokesperson denied the accusations, noting a staff of over 200, and some lawsuits were later settled or dismissed.
Observers note lasting reputational damage as critics call the show a cautionary tale and former staffers say it destroyed their mental and physical well-being.