Britney Talk A Mistake, Says Dr. Phil

NEW YORK — Television's "Dr. Phil" McGraw says he regrets talking about Britney Spears' mental health after visiting her in the hospital, but didn't violate the family's trust.

"I regret making the statement. It didn't help. It didn't work," the syndicated TV psychologist said Wednesday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Spears, 26, was hospitalized in Los Angeles after a child custody dispute with ex-husband Kevin Federline resulted in an hours-long standoff with police Jan. 3. Federline has sole physical and legal custody of their two sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1.

McGraw said he visited the pop singer as a family friend, and rejected critics who accused him of practicing psychology without a license.

"I did not go there to diagnose her. I did not go there to treat her," said McGraw, who showed up at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Jan. 5 as Spears was about to be discharged.

McGraw said he retired his Texas license after 25 years of private practice because of the demands of his "Dr. Phil" daytime talk show.

The Spears family has accused McGraw of betraying their trust by making an "inappropriate" public statement about the singer's hospitalization.

McGraw had told celebrity news TV shows that Spears was in "dire" need of medical and psychological help.

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In an appearance on NBC's "Today" show Wednesday, McGraw said his public comments after visiting Spears were intended to prevent rumors and misinformation.

"I wanted to stop speculation about what may have gone on in there," he said.

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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. NBC is owned by the General Electric Co.

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ABC:

On the Net:

http://abcnews.go.com/gma

NBC:

http://www.msnbc.com/

"Dr. Phil":

http://www.drphil.com/

Comments

[malibumadman]

Television's "Dr. Phil" McQuack is a fraud and his 'show' is one season away from replacing the Jerry Springer Show.

[trinity29]

I think Dr. Phil hates himself which is why he has to be so loud, arrogant, and hateful to other people.

[PatA]

I never watch the Phil show, but turned it on to watch his "apology" for speaking in public about Ms. Spears.
People, he read from a teleprompter, and was he incensed! He didn't appear the least bit remorseful and seemed to resent that he was even there that day.
After that segment, he ripped up some more guests and ended up swaggering out...ever the good "doctor".

[BillyCioffi]

This guy is a total fraud. A fat assed looser who loves telling everybody "else" whats wrong with them. Remember the never of FAT ASS Phil's Weight Loss Program and he's standing there looking like the Pillsbury Dough boy.
What a total jerk and a vampire who lives of peoples problems.

[watchingthings]

HE is a mistake that never should have happened.

[Harrier]

Who is this cracker? And what is he doing on the Huffington Report-such pollution.

[ChezMJ]

The only thing "Dr." Phil regrets is the damage to his reputation­...

[CintiBlue]

I didn't think he had ever practiced for any length of time. I read that he thought it was a bore to sit and listen to people's problems.

[HarveyD]

"Dr." Phil is a suppurating pustule. Thanks ever so much Oprah.

[ClaudiaJean]

this is a misleading headline. Dr. Phil was on the Today Show. he never apologized. he was never repentant. he was never humble. he never took responsibility. he was indignant and defiant and wouldn't badmouth or say anything negative about the Spears family but in no way did he apologize, admit a mistake or claim responsibility for being unprofessional.

In fact, later in the morning's show, they replayed parts of Lauer's interview with Dr. Phil, and the other Today Show hosts expressed that they were uncomfortable with Dr. Phil's response and thought that what he said was inappropriate and he should have just stepped up and admitted that he was in error and never should have spoken out. Yet, he refused to accept any responsiblity for making a poor judgment and violating a confidentiality that should have been inherent.

Huffington Post again, posting news that is inaccurate.
Funny, I applied for a job to work with HuffPo and never got a response, clearly didn't get the job. Too bad. Looks like you could have used me on your team.

[Dannydel]

Excuse me HUFF? And just WHATdid you find offensive about my post? Check the facts. And then you may apologize.

[Dannydel]

"Ah...the ubiquitous Dr. Phil." The man who borrowed freely from a former colleagues writings, and without accreditation, used it on Oprah and in his book.
Who was sanctioned by the state of Texas Board of Examiners for an ethical violation involving a 19 year old patient and employee.
Due to the sanctions, he was unable to practice psychology independently. His father and his former partner, Thelma Box, felt betrayed when he sold his stock in their jointly owned co. behind their backs.
The FTC, along with a class action lawsuit, forced 'Dr. Phil' to exit his 'weight loss strategy' program.
Dr. Phil and his son, ripped off two television shows with their own cloned shows, but were forced to shut one down due to a lawsuit by 'Home Renovation' and the other was just a ratings loser.
So, we shouldn't be surprised that this self serving, narcisistic star stalker, used his visit with Ms. Spears to self promote himself. He is one sick puppy.