[Archive 2008-01-09] Dr. Phil's consultation meant to be private: Spears family

Historical archive — originally published 2008-01-09. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

A spokesperson for the parents of Britney Spears went on The Today Show to speak out against television psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, whom they feel exploited the family's trust.

Lou Taylor went on the NBC morning show to say that when they "extended trust" to "Dr. Phil", as he's known, it was as a medical professional and not as a television personality. They say he was to keep the matters private.

McGraw was "not invited to make this part of the public display, part of the media," said Taylor on behalf of father Jamie Spears and mother Lynne Spears.

Originally it was rumored that the family would appear on Dr. Phil for one of the news headline-based special episodes. Taylor also told interviewer Meredith Viera that the family had never discussed such plans. They had only hired McGraw to talk privately to Spears, one of "many professionals and many resources surrounding the family."

According to Taylor, the Spears parents, along with pregnant daughter Jamie Lynn "are people who love their daughter, and know what's going on," praying every day for her well-being. They are broken hearted regarding "the morbidity of people watching" the breakdown.

Spears was hospitalized after being deemed a safety risk to herself, but released within 24 hours, instead of the 72 hour norm.

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