Five Times Dr. Phil Was Sued By His Former TV Guests

Dr. Phil McGraw, a well-known television personality and psychologist, has garnered a reputation for his straightforward and sometimes controversial approach to therapy on his daytime talk show. Although many admire his no-nonsense style, not all guests have left his show feeling satisfied. In fact, some have chosen to take legal action against him! This article delves into five notable lawsuits filed by former guests who felt wronged by their experiences on the show.

One surprising fact is that Dr. Phil has faced a total of five lawsuits from former guests, highlighting the intense emotional outcomes and expectations tied to his show. Each case raises important questions about ethics, mental health practices, and the impact of television on personal narratives. As Dr. Phil himself has stated, "I'm not for everybody," but what happens when those who appear on his show feel misrepresented or mistreated?

In this article, we will explore each of these cases, examining the details behind the lawsuits and the implications they hold for Dr. Phil's legacy. We will also reflect on the broader conversation surrounding mental health representation on television and the responsibilities that come with it. Let’s dive in and uncover the stories behind these high-profile legal battles!

Table of Contents

• Kaden Mahaffa Claims Dr. Phil Embarrassed Her
• Josie Goldberg Alleged That Dr. Phil Owed Her $10,000
• Hannah Archuleta Sued Dr. Phil for Negligence
• Matthew Barasch Sued Dr. Phil for $100 Million
• Shirley Rae Dieu and Crystal Matchett Allege They Were 'Traumatized'

Kaden Mahaffa Claims Dr. Phil Embarrassed Her

Former guest Kaden Mahaffa filed a lawsuit against Dr. Phil in February 2019 for "emotional distress, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation," according to court documents obtained by TMZ. She went on the "Dr. Phil" show under the pretense that she was there to support her boyfriend and his claims of childhood abuse. However, Mahaffa claims that Dr. Phil set his sights directly on her after she revealed during a backstage interview that she had X-ray vision, among various other supernatural powers.

Mahaffa alleged that Dr. Phil "aggressively interrogated" her, subsequently embarrassing her in front of a live audience. The lawsuit states that following the taping, Mahaffa was observed "collapsing in tears and engaging in erratic behavior" and even pulling her hair out. Eventually, law enforcement got involved, and Mahaffa was involuntarily committed for five days.

Josie Goldberg Alleged That Dr. Phil Owed Her $10,000

Former guest Josie Goldberg also sued Dr. Phil in February 2019, claiming that the famous television personality owed her $10,000. According to court documents, Goldberg was first featured on the show in 2010 and 2011 on episodes titled "Spoiled and Entitled" and "Smart Women, Dumb Choices." She was invited back multiple times, but she claimed that as a member of the labor union SAG-AFTRA, she was entitled to residual payments for any reruns she appeared in.

Goldberg also sued Dr. Phil's wife, Robin McGraw, for an additional $10,000, alleging that Robin had gestured a thumbs-up to another guest, Kelly Cutrone, who suggested Goldberg "go get mental help at the Bob Hope Center." Goldberg claimed that following her appearances on the show, she lost many work opportunities due to Robin's "power and privilege." Ultimately, she was unsuccessful in both lawsuits.

Hannah Archuleta Sued Dr. Phil for Negligence

Hannah Archuleta, a 17-year-old from Colorado, appeared on the "Dr. Phil" show in October 2019 alongside her parents to discuss her struggles with suicidal ideation. Dr. Phil's solution was to send her to Turn-About Ranch, a therapeutic boarding facility for "troubled" teens. Sadly, Archuleta claims that she was sexually assaulted by an employee on two separate occasions while receiving treatment at the program, prompting her to sue Dr. Phil for negligence.

The lawsuit claimed Dr. Phil said that "Hannah needs to go to the Ranch to have any chance at a good life." However, the complaint also maintains that he accused Archuleta's father of "wimping out" when he resisted the action plan. Ultimately, Archuleta's suit against Dr. Phil was dismissed in August 2022, and Dr. Phil and CBS countersued her for $400,000 in legal fees.

Matthew Barasch Sued Dr. Phil for $100 Million

Matthew Barasch appeared on an episode of Dr. Phil's popular daytime talk show in 2014 to discuss his claims of being physically stalked and cyberstalked by various individuals, including members of law enforcement and the government. However, he claims that once the cameras started rolling, Dr. Phil was determined to paint him out as a person with a mental illness. As a result, Barasch sued Dr. Phil and CBS Television for damages of $100 million, citing breach of contract, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation.

Barasch's lawsuit stated that from the moment the show began, it was clear the focus was on his mental illness rather than the falsely advertised topic of "cyberstalking." Despite his claims, a spokesperson for Dr. Phil maintained that Barasch was treated with dignity and respect. The case was ultimately dismissed in December 2018.

Shirley Rae Dieu and Crystal Matchett Allege They Were 'Traumatized'

Shirley Rae Dieu and Crystal Matchett appeared on Dr. Phil's spin-off show "The Dr. Phil House" in 2007. They alleged they were "traumatized" after a male nudist revealed himself while filming. The pair sued Dr. Phil and CBS for "fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, rescission, and intentional infliction of emotional distress." However, Dr. Phil's defense attorney argued that the incident was part of the show's scenarios, aimed at helping participants tolerate unique situations.

Additionally, Dieu alleged that Dr. Phil "touched her left breast during her therapy session," which a spokesperson for Dr. Phil vehemently denied. The case was dismissed in August 2011, and it's unclear whether a monetary settlement was reached due to a confidentiality agreement.