Key Takeaways:
– In 2016, Dr. Phil aired an episode featuring a clearly mentally unwell Shelley Duvall, sparking backlash.
– Despite the controversy, Dr. Phil expressed no regret over his actions even seven years later.
– Shelley Duvall, best known for her roles in ‘The Shining' and ‘Nashville,' passed away in 2024 at the age of 75.
– Prior to her death, Duvall had expressed regret for appearing on Dr. Phil's show.
TV Host Faces Controversy: The Shelley Duvall Episode
Dr. Phil McGraw, popularly known as Dr. Phil, faced intense criticism in 2016. He had invited the mentally ill actress Shelley Duvall onto his live show, and many viewed this as exploitation. Duvall, best known for her roles in iconic thriller films like ‘Nashville' and ‘The Shining,' appeared visibly agitated and disoriented.
Dr. Phil sparked controversy by airing the disturbing interview. The show featured Duvall making alarming claims like stating dead actor Robin Williams was still alive and ‘shapeshifting,' and discussing her fear of the Sheriff of Nottingham, an imaginary entity.
Celebrities Call Out Dr. Phil
The host's decision to broadcast Duvall's strife didn't go unnoticed by Hollywood. Famous names like Mia Farrow voiced their disapproval, with Farrow referring to Dr. Phil as a ‘predator.' Vivian Kubrick, the daughter of Stanley Kubrick, acclaimed director of ‘The Shining,' also voiced her anger towards Dr. Phil's choice of content, marking it as ‘shameful' and a ‘form of lurid entertainment.'
Despite the widespread backlash, Dr. Phil never apologized. In fact, in 2023 he confessed to CNN's Chris Wallace that he had no regrets about airing the episode. He did admit that the promo of the episode had been problematic, but defended his actions by saying that he had worked with Duvall for a year after the show aired, providing her opportunities for professional psychiatric care.
Dr. Phil's Defence: A Lack of Regret
Dr. Phil took a defensive stance amidst the criticism. He claimed that none of his critics had done anything to aid Duvall. This statement, as well as his refusal to express remorse, was met with further disapproval from the public. Many referred to his defense as a ‘nonapologetic apology.'
Shelley Duvall's Regret
While Dr. Phil defended his actions, Duvall expressed regret for her appearance on his show. In an interview in 2021, she revealed that she had agreed to the interview without her partner's knowledge. She had a negative view of Dr. Phil and alleged that he persistently tried to get her back on the show even after her mother expressly told him to stop contacting her.
Shelley Duvall's Final Days
Sadly, Shelley Duvall is no longer with us to tell her side of the story. She passed away in her sleep from complications related to diabetes on July 11, 2024. Her mesmerizing performances in thrillers will keep her memory alive, but the controversial Dr. Phil episode will also notoriously mark part of her legacy.
In Conclusion
Dr. Phil's actions with regards to Shelley Duvall have sparked a conversation about the ethics of exploiting mentally ill individuals for entertainment. As fans mourn the loss of an icon, this controversy resurfaces, serving as a reminder that celebrities, like all people, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, particularly when they are struggling with health issues. Despite the controversy, Dr. Phil remains unapologetic, demonstrating an unfortunate disregard for the concerns of many viewers and industry insiders.
