The US television personality Dr. Phil McGraw is facing a major lawsuit from Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world’s largest Christian broadcaster, which accuses him of “reprehensible conduct” and a “years-long fraudulent scheme” in a failed $500 million media partnership.
TBN claims it was misled into entering a high-stakes agreement with Dr. Phil’s company, Merit Street, which launched as an “anti-woke” alternative TV channel. According to court documents, Dr. Phil and his production company, Peteski, allegedly provided false information about advertising revenue, viewership figures, and access to his 21-year episode library in order to pressure TBN into signing a rushed, multimillion-dollar deal.
The partnership soon collapsed, with Merit Street filing for bankruptcy just a year after its launch. TBN, which held a 70 percent stake in the company, now alleges that Dr. Phil failed to deliver the promised content and then demanded an additional $100 million for access to his old show episodes, despite previously agreeing to include them at no extra cost.
In a statement, TBN said: “The truth will set us free,” calling for justice and accountability.
The dispute raises important questions about integrity and discernment in Christian media ventures, where mission and message must go hand in hand.
A key bankruptcy hearing is scheduled for September 2, with the court yet to decide whether to continue or dismiss the proceedings.