Dr. Phil McGraw has reportedly been sued by memorabilia dealer Thomas Riccio for defamation, fraud, and emotional distress. Riccio claims that Dr. Phil stated on his show that he "set O.J. Simpson up and told people to bring guns into the room" during Simpson's alleged September 2007 hotel robbery.FOX News: Memorabilia Dealer Sues Dr. Phil (October 22, 2008)
Quotes
"Had plaintiff been aware of defendants' intent and their intended actions, he would not have agreed to do the interview."—lawsuit statementFOX News: Memorabilia Dealer Sues Dr. Phil (October 22, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Suit filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on October 22, 2008TMZ: Dr. Phil Cut Me Up! (October 22, 2008)
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Riccio was said to have been the one to inform Simpson about a memorabilia dealer trying to sell his "stolen property"ABC7 (L.A.): Memorabilia dealer testifies (September 18, 2008)
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Riccio testified in mid September 2008 at Simpson's robbery trial ABC7 (L.A.): Memorabilia dealer testifies (September 18, 2008)
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Riccio was interviewed by Dr. Phil in relation to Simpson's alleged hotel robbery on October 6, 2008, and it aired two days laterFOX News: Memorabilia Dealer Sues Dr. Phil (October 22, 2008)
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Riccio stated that Dr. Phil referred to him on his show as "the shady deal maker" and "the ring leader of this crime"FOX News: Memorabilia Dealer Sues Dr. Phil (October 22, 2008)
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Riccio claims that Dr. Phil edited out the part of the interview where he claimed to be "anti-gun"FOX News: Memorabilia Dealer Sues Dr. Phil (October 22, 2008)
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Simpson was found guilty of 12 counts of armed robbery and kidnapping on October 3, 2008New York Times: Simpson Guilty in Robbery Trial (October 4, 2008)
