A joint sting operation by STAT and the Boston Globe alleges that staff provided vulnerable guests with drink and medication prior to their appearance on the controversial talk show.
The report (which you can read in full here) claims that the show valued high ratings and dramatic story lines over the health and wellbeing of their guests, many of whom suffer with substance abuse.
One of those interviewed as part of the investigation was Todd Herzog, a former winner of American reality show Survivor. He appeared on the talk show in 2013 and alleges that his slurred speech and inability to walk properly was a result of him being given vodka and Xanax in the studio before he went on. See his appearance here.
A spokesperson for The Dr. Phil Show has denied the claims. He stated that the report "does not fairly or accurately describe the methods of Dr. Phil, the TV show, or its mission to educate millions of viewers about drug and alcohol addiction." He added that guests are not given drugs or alcohol and that suggestions to the contrary are "errant nonsense."
"Unfortunately, addicts often lash out at the very people who are trying the hardest to help them break the cycle of addiction. Although terribly unfortunate, this is an understandable part of the behavior of addicts on their journey to recovery," the spokesperson added.
It's not the first time the outspoken host and his show have hit the headlines. He has faced numerous lawsuits over the years including a 2016 case in which he was accused of threatening and falsely imprisoning an employee.
Via: Hollywood Reporter
