With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Phil McGraw: Caring Family Friend, or Shameless Self-Promoter?

After Britney's standoff with police last week and the ensuing tornado of paparazzi, internet rumors, and unconfirmed accounts of the incident, there is one story that is causing a stir and its not centered around Britney, but rather, Dr. Phil McGraw, TV host.
Early Saturday morning, as Britney was packing to leave Cedars Sinai, Dr. Phil paid an unexpected visit to her room on the 7th floor as he was requested to do by her parents Lynne and Jamie Spears who were worried Britney was being released too soon. Dr. Phil's press release:
"My meeting with Britney and some of her family members this morning in her room at Cedars leaves me convinced more than ever that she is in dire need of both medical and psychological intervention. She was released moments before my arrival and was packing when I entered the room. We visited for about an hour before I walked with her to her car. I am very concerned for her."
However, sources from the hospital and close to Britney state that they only visited for fifteen minutes and Dr. Phil did most of the talking, shocker. As TMZ is reporting, Briney wanted nothing to do with him, or his desire to have her and the rest of her family on his talk show for a televised intervention.
Members of the medical community are questioning why Cedars hospital allowed someone who was not the patient's doctor to visit her without consent, warning, and after she had been officially released. Perhaps they were starstruck by Dr. Phil? Britney clearly needs help, but does she really need it from Dr. Phil, his heavily produced TV show, and in front of millions? I'm no doctor, but I'm guessing no.
After Brit's dad realized Dr. Phil was making public statements about Britney, for his own self-promotion Life & Style is reporting that he has forbade his ex-wife Lynne and his son to appear on the show, or have anymore contact with Dr. Phil or his producers.
The Dr. Phil show IS taping a Britney-esque intervention type show today, which will be aired on Tuesday.
AP Photo
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

-
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to declare immigration enforcement actions a local emergency.
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues.
-
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week.
-
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce.
-
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music.
-
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.