Dr. Phil’s former publicist files wrongful-termination and discrimination suit

Jerry Sharell, who served as Dr. Phil’s publicist for a decade, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. According to the complaint, Dr. Phil recruited Sharell to continue working after his 2023 exit from one outlet and relocation to Dallas for the launch of Merit Street Media, yet deliberately left him out of the group of 20 employees who moved because Sharell is openly homosexual.

Sharell says he was later singled out, placed on a summer hiatus, and re-designated as an independent contractor, losing health benefits and seeing his pay reduced by 30%. The filing also recounts religious demands at the Merit Street partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network, including a required “Statement of Faith” and weekly prayers by a figure known as “Pastor D.” Sharell alleges Dr. Phil made a homophobic comment on a private plane.

Dr. Phil’s counsel, Chip Babcock, rejects the claims, describing the lawsuit as an attempt to avoid arbitration and insisting the hiatus was routine and unrelated to sexual orientation. The case adds to recent legal and financial troubles surrounding Dr. Phil’s media ventures, including the bankruptcy and liquidation of Merit Street Media.