DR. PHIL & HANK: "Hey Now!"
Posted on 12/05/2005 7:41:35 AM PST by SmithL
LOS ANGELES - TV psychologist "Dr. Phil" McGraw stated in e-mails that he had "no expertise" in making the diet pills that he endorsed, according to court filings in a lawsuit alleging he made false statements about the products.
McGraw also insisted on "the STRONGEST of disclaimers" in the products' advertisements before putting his name on the now discontinued Shape Up! diet campaign, the New York Daily News reported on Monday, citing e-mail printouts that are included in Los Angeles Superior Court filings.
"This fleshes out our position that Dr. Phil was in charge ... he was rewriting the commercials," said lawyer Henry Rossbacher, who filed suit against McGraw in 2004 on behalf of three unhappy customers.
McGraw, the top-rated TV show host and author of the best-selling "The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom," has denied the allegations.
"It's a pretty silly claim," said his Dallas-based lawyer, Bill Dawson. "It's the kind of suit that makes people hate lawyers."
McGraw jumped into the lucrative weight-loss market in mid-2003 with a campaign that included advice books, a prime-time special with Katie Couric on obesity and dieting, and his "Shape Up! with Dr. Phil McGraw" products.
Shape Up! shakes, bars and multivitamins made by Irving, Texas-based CSA Nutraceuticals were sold in supermarkets, Target, Wal-Mart and elsewhere. The plan called for 22 pills daily at $120 a month.
CSA Nutraceuticals agreed to stop making the supplements early last year as it faced a Federal Trade Commission investigation into false-advertising concerns.
According to the label, the pills "contain scientifically researched levels of ingredients that can help you change your behavior to take control of your weight."
McGraw wrote the e-mails to express concerns with the ad campaign for the diet products.
The lawsuit plaintiffs are seeking class-action status to include thousands of potential plaintiffs.
A judge could rule on that request early next year.
Dr. Phraud?
Hey Fatso,
Start a diet yourself then start advising others.
Dr. Phil, what were you thinking?
This man is a shill. He will do anything for dough.
Don't get between Dr. Phil and a TV camera - that's a dangerous area for civilians.
This sort of thing is a risk for any celebrity that
personally endorses products, as many conservative
and libertarian radio hosts do.
Even if you make sure the product is "homeopathic"
(free of any actual active ingredients), and makes no
specific claims, some idiot will break out in hives
from something else they consumed, and sue.
If I were Hannity, for example, I wouldn't be the
copy-reader for those ozone filter ads.
No surprise. He used to run churn 'em and burn 'em health club scams back in the 80's.
I bit the bullet and went back to the basics: started counting calories about a month ago, trying to keep it under 1600 or so a day, every day, with less salt, lots of lean meat, veggies, whole grains and low fat dairy. I've lost 10 lbs so far, even through Thanksgiving, and I feel great. Slow and steady wins this race.
I don't think a product endorsement in and of itself exposes someone to potential liability. In this case, the fact that he is Dr. Phil instead of just plain Mr. Phil might present a problem because of his medical background.
'Dr. Phil' is in the 'entertainment' business and although he may have a degree, he makes his money in entertainment. He made the commerical because he was being paid BIG BUCKS and they hired him because of all the empty heads that watch his show, my mother included. He could have cared less if the stuff was actually any good.
I never watch the guy. He drips with self promotion and corny fake sincerity. Snake oil is correct. 'Take the money and run' is how I see him.
DR. PHIL & HANK: "Hey Now!"
Apparently Dr. Phil's ethical concerns were submerged by his id which kept saying, "Take the money, Phil."
I lost respect for him when he had these two identical twin women on his show, and one of them wanted them to work as prostitutes, while the other was against it. It turns out that the story was bogus, and both women are actually porn stars. And Dr. Phil's people were told that tidbit by both fans and someone in the media, but instead of admitting that they got fooled, Dr. Phil's staff simply took out all identifying information in the recap of the show on the website, so that nobody else would catch on.
I know this is an older thread, but do you know what he is a "DR" of? My son is a Bio-Psychology major and he doesn't think the degree is in Psychology. I would appreciate it if you can advise. Thanks
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