2 Explosive Controversies That Threatened Dr Phil’s Entire TV Career and Public Image
- 'Dr. Phil' and his show faced some serious allegations and lawsuits which cast a shadow on Dr. Phil McGraw's reputation.
- A lawsuit from a teen claimed that she was sexually assaulted at the Turn-About Ranch recommended by 'Dr. Phil'.
- A former guest alleged that Dr. Phil’s producers offered him alcohol while he was struggling with addiction.
It has been more than two decades now that Dr. Phil McGraw has been providing advice and life strategies through his daytime show. McGraw has successfully positioned himself as America’s favorite TV psychologist, helping people deal with a variety of issues, including family problems and addiction troubles.
However, much darker rumors and concerns have been raised that cast doubt on the seemingly clean-cut image of a man who presents himself as a straight-talking expert. These accusations may bring into question what goes on behind the scenes of the show and could potentially shatter the trust of its followers.
Teen’s Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Dr. Phil
Earlier, Hannah Archuleta, who appeared on Dr. Phil when she was 17 years old in 2019, sued Phil McGraw and ViacomCBS. The lawsuit focused on McGraw’s endorsement of Turn-About Ranch, a mental health facility for troubled youths in which Archuleta claimed she faced sexual assault.
According to the lawsuit (via Rolling Stone) filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, McGraw affirmed the facility to Archuleta’s father in a private meeting by saying Archuleta would have a “chance at a good life.” It also accused that the show’s staff allegedly “pressured” her family to take her to the Ranch after the episode shooting without revealing past allegations of physical and emotional abuse at the facility.
The details in the lawsuit reportedly say that after a few weeks, Archuleta was sexually assaulted by a male staff twice. The first act was unwanted touching, and the second one was more severe as it involved inappropriate contact with her private body parts.
When Archuleta reported the incidents, she said she suffered severe retaliation. The facility allegedly forced her to sleep on a wooden plank without a pillow and did not allow her to even use the bathroom. It was also alleged to make her perform manual labor for hours, like picking up horse manure.
According to Rolling Stone, Jerry Sharell, the show’s spokesman, defended Dr. Phil, claiming that “none of the Defendants in this case had anything to do with her program at that facility” and that they had no financial ties to Turn-About Ranch.
The ranch administrators said that upon the allegations, they “took immediate action” to investigate but could not proceed as Archuleta’s father removed her from the facility.
However, according to the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Phil and CBS’ attorneys defended their case, saying that the alleged actions happened during the filming of their TV show that promotes “the exercise of free speech on matters of public interest: television and mental health.” They further claimed California’s Anti-SLAPP law, which protects free speech, provided protection for their clients.
LA Superior Court Judge Stephanie M. Bowick dismissed Archuleta’s lawsuit in August 2022, saying her attorneys could not prove the allegations made against Dr. Phil and CBS. CBS’ lead attorney, Charles L. Babcock later acknowledged the judge’s decision and said (via Los Angeles Times),
In our judgment, she reached the right result. We will be seeking our fees and whatever else the judge sees fit to award us under the statute.
Phil McGraw and CBS countersued Archuleta for over $400,000 as compensation for legal costs. Later, Archuleta sued the ranch separately, alleging the facility of charges like assault, battery, and negligent hiring.
Dr. Phil Accused of Providing Alcohol to Addicts
Another shocking allegation was made when STAT News and the Boston Globe uncovered allegations that Dr. Phil’s producers offered drugs and alcohol to guests suffering from addiction. These claims were opposite to the program’s aim to assist people in dealing with their dependencies.
Todd Herzog, winner of Survivor: China and a guest on Dr. Phil in 2013, made allegations on the show. Herzog claimed that he got to the studio without a drop of alcohol in him, but he noted that there was a bottle of Smirnoff vodka in his dressing room. He added that after consuming it, one of the staff members offered him Xanax to “calm his nerves” before filming.
However, Martin Greenberg, the show’s director of professional affairs, denied these accusations. According to USA Today, he said, “We do not do that with this guest or any other,” calling the allegations “absolutely, unequivocally untrue.”
Herzog later said that he was “grateful” as the show got him help from “the nicest places in the country.” However, he also said that there are certain things about the show that he didn’t like and “don’t think are real.” He insisted, “There should not be liters of vodka in my dressing room.”
Such revelations put considerable doubt on the practices of the show and its priorities. Although the show has ended its run on CBS, Dr. Phil McGraw is still living with his reputation and legacy along with the controversies.
