Phil McGraw sued over alleged sexual orientation discrimination

Phil McGraw, the former daytime talk show host, is facing a lawsuit filed by his former publicist, Jerry Sharell. Sharell, who worked with McGraw for approximately a decade, alleges wrongful termination, wage violations, and discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims that Sharell was excluded from McGraw’s transition from California to Texas to launch Merit Street Media. Sharell alleges he was told “you’re Hollywood,” which he believes was a coded comment regarding his status as an openly gay man. He further alleges that McGraw intentionally excluded him from the Texas-based operation due to his sexuality, particularly as Merit Street Media partnered with the Christian broadcaster Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Sharell also claims employees were asked to sign a “Statement of Faith” declaring devotion to Jesus. While Sharell’s employment was reportedly placed on “hiatus” during the company’s financial difficulties, McGraw’s attorney disputes the claims, stating that Sharell was not fired. This legal action follows reports that Merit Street Media faced financial instability, with a judge recently ordering the company to be liquidated after denying Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.