Irritated Dr. Phil testifies in $500M dispute with Christian TV network
Dr. Phil McGraw appeared testifying Tuesday in federal court in Texas in a heated dispute over a $500 million distribution deal with Trinity Broadcasting Network, a conflict that has entangled his Merit Street Media venture in potential bankruptcy and multiple lawsuits. From the witness stand, the 75-year-old television personality frequently displayed frustration, at one point asking a TBN lawyer, “Is there a question?” and then answering himself, highlighting the tension in a courtroom marked by bickering attorneys, judge admonishments, and verbal sparring.
McGraw repeatedly blamed TBN for the collapse of the deal, citing a lack of patience for the four-to-five-year growth trajectory required for a startup network to succeed. “We discussed it on numerous occasions, and they just didn’t stay the course long enough,” he told Judge Scott W. Everett, arguing that had TBN maintained its investment, it could have been highly profitable. McGraw acknowledged TBN had made “significant capital contributions” but insisted he exercised as much control as possible over the endeavor. The legal battle intensified after McGraw’s new company, Envoy, emerged from the remnants of MSN, leading to a bankruptcy filing and a lawsuit against TBN for breach of contract, which TBN countered by accusing Dr. Phil of attempting to defraud the network. The hearing, now in recess, will continue with questioning from attorneys for Professional Bull Riders, as Dr. Phil’s legal team navigates objections and testimony, all under the scrutiny of a courtroom drama that has grown increasingly contentious.
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