Phil McGraw files defamation lawsuit against American Media Inc.

In 2016, renowned psychologist and television personality Phil McGraw, along with his wife, filed a substantial defamation lawsuit against American Media Inc. The lawsuit, which sought $250 million in damages, was primarily a response to the publication of an interview by the National Enquirer, a tabloid owned by American Media Inc. In this interview, a former patient of McGraw accused him of sexually assaulting her during the 1980s while she was under his care. McGraw has consistently denied these allegations, which first surfaced in 2003. The lawsuit highlighted the serious implications of false accusations and the impact they can have on an individual's reputation and career. Ultimately, the lawsuit was dropped on mutual terms, but it underscored the ongoing challenges public figures face regarding media scrutiny and the importance of protecting one's reputation against unfounded claims.