Can it get any better? Dr. Phil on the hot seat (class action suit)

[CatWoman]

Class Status Sought for 'Dr. Phil' Diet Case

By Molly Selvin | Times Staff Writer
Posted October 3, 2005

The man famous for advising bitter couples and sullen teens on camera is getting counsel himself these days — from lawyers.

A suit that targets "Dr. Phil" McGraw claims the popular TV psychologist defrauded his fans with an ill-fated venture into the diet-supplement business.

Three disgruntled customers, who filed the suit last year in Los Angeles County Superior Court, now are seeking national class-action status for the complaint, which could expand it to include thousands of plaintiffs. A judge could rule on the question early next year.

With his Texas drawl and a deep reservoir of homilies, McGraw parlayed his regular appearances on Oprah Winfrey's talk show into his own syndicated show starting in 2002. He dived 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.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/health/la-fi-drphil3oct03,0,2313503.story?coll=orl-health-headlines