Dr. Phil Divides Fans With a Daring Political Statement in New Video
Phil McGraw (better known as "Dr. Phil") is being widely criticized for his speech at a rally for Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The TV personality, 74—who lost his license to practice psychology in 2006, according to The Independent—officially endorsed Trump at the event, taking the opportunity to speak out against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
???? SIGN UP for Parade's Trending News newsletter & we'll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments & celebrity news everyone is talking about ??????
“By the way, we didn’t choose the name for that by random—Merit Street Media,” McGraw said, referencing the launch of his Merit Street Media company earlier this year. “This country was built on hard work, added value and talent, not on equal outcome, not on DEI. This country was built on hard work.”
Related: Comedian Jim Gaffigan Makes a Daring Political Joke in Front of Donald Trump
X users were quick to point out the irony of Dr. Phil's remarks.
"Isn't he only famous because of a black woman?" one person wanted to know.
"Da F did Phil McGraw say about DEI?@Oprah got him his job so, he’s the DEI in this scenario," agreed someone else.
"This country was built on hard work by unpaid Black people who were exploited by rich white guys who took the credit. Meanwhile, Trump inherited $400 million from his KKK daddy and Dr. Phil became famous because a Black woman gave him a platform," another commenter pointed out.
Even the NAACP weighed in, writing, "This country was absolutely built on hard work Dr. Phil…on the backs of Black, Brown, and lmmigrants from all across this WORLD! Many of which who were forced to do so! SLAVERY. Let us know when you’re ready to tell the WHOLE story."
"He victim-shamed women who'd been raped saying they brought it on in the way they dressed + told women abused by partners they should've known better. He's a blowhard bully. Oprah should apologize for giving us Dr Phil & Dr Oz. #MSGRally = festival of misogyny & racism," declared an additional social media user.
Next: Ivanka Trump Attends Taylor Swift Concert After Dad Donald's Bold Declaration About Pop Star