ViacomCBS Responds To Report About Toxic Workplace On ‘Dr. Phil’ As Host Denies Allegations
deadline.comCurrent and former employees of Phil McGraw’s talk show Dr. Phil made allegations of having experienced toxic work conditions—including verbal abuse, intimidation, and racism—and inappropriate interactions with guests, in a Buzzfeed expose released on Thursday.None of the dozen employees that spoke to the outlet witnessed McGraw participate in any of the alleged behavior, nor is there any evidence that he saw any of the abuse himself.
Series executive producer Carla Penington and other senior staff have been accused of “screaming and berating” employees. A spokesperson for Dr.Phil and McGraw denied all allegations.“Buzzfeed’s ‘click-bait story’ containing verifiably and objectively false characterizations and reporting of the publicly available contradictory results of these legal cases [including dismissal with prejudice due to a lack of merit, not even being a party and other factual errors] raises significant doubts about the credibility of the other unsubstantiated, anonymous claims relating to the show and its staff, which are not true,” the Dr.
Phil spokesperson tells Deadline.Adding, “Dr. Phil and our hard-working, diverse team of more than 200 proud staff, many of whom have been here for two decades, have sincerely and respectfully worked with thousands of appreciative guests.
From the beginning, show executives have strived to create a collaborative, safe, and open environment for Dr. Phil McGraw and all staff and guests.
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