Doctor Phil paid to get YouTube beating suspect out of jail

By WINK Web Manager

BARTOW, Fla. - Employees of the "Dr. Phil" television show posted bail for a central Florida teenager jailed for taking part in a videotaped beating of another teen, a spokeswoman for the show's host confirmed Saturday.

Staff members of the talk show helped Mercades Nichols - one of eight teens facing charges in the case - post bond this weekend, "Dr. Phil" McGraw's spokeswoman Terri Corigliano said in an e-mail.

"We have helped guests and potential guests in the past when they need financial assistance to come on the show - assisting with clothing allowance, lost wages, accommodations, travel and necessities," Corigliano wrote. "In this case, certain staff members went beyond our guidelines (re the bail being paid).

"These staff members have been spoken to and our policies reiterated. In addition, we have decided not to go forward with the story as our guidelines have been compromised."

The show's producers were in the process of booking guests for a program about the case, Corigliano wrote.

Only two of the teens remained jailed late Saturday night, Polk County Sheriff's Office spokesman Scott Wilder said.

The teens, whose ages range from 14 to 18, face kidnapping and misdemeanor battery charges. Three also face a felony charge of
witness tampering. The state attorney's office says all will be tried as adults.

They are accused of participating in a violent beating of another teenager, which was videotaped and has now been viewed widely on national television and the Internet.

A judge on Friday set bails ranging from $30,000 to $37,000 for the teenagers.

McGraw drew criticism earlier this year when he confronted troubled pop star Britney Spears at the UCLA Medical Center during a stay at the facility.

At one point, McGraw had planned an episode of the "Dr. Phil" show about Spears, but quickly abandoned the idea. He has since apologized for discussing his visit publicly - but not for visiting her.

Friday, Sep 5 at 12:59 PM dominic wrote ...

they was wrong for doing that to that girl.

Monday, Apr 14 at 4:45 PM krazykristina wrote ...

Great lesson: beat up someone and become famous. Too bad society and hollywood accepts this type of behavior. That is why it will continue. I mean come on does this really shock anyone? "Nothing shocks me anymore."

Monday, Apr 14 at 3:13 PM millie wrote ...

People like him makes me feel embarrass to be a human.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 10:09 PM Dr Fran wrote ...

I knew from the start this guy was a JERK!

Sunday, Apr 13 at 4:34 PM JC wrote ...

Hasn't his mantra always been: "When you choose the behavior...you choose the consequences". What a moral & ethical hippocrate.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 4:21 PM fraud alert wrote ...

Dr. Phil has a PhD, but he has NO license to practice psychology. I believe he is sad example of charlatanism in a field which does much to help people. He needs to stand down his time in the spotlight needs to dim and he should find himself a constructive hobby instead of exploiting the sad people who appear on his program. I believe this action shows his true character.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 3:14 PM Amber wrote ...

This is ridiculous. These girls should not be let out to have publicity. They should sit in jail for the rest of there lives, it makes me sick that Dr. Phil would want any kind of contact with them.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 2:27 PM Wayne Whelpley wrote ...

Some people will do anything for TV - this was not a show this was real - someone was hurt. There has to be something better to do than watching Dr Phil.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 12:26 PM southernsoul@embarqmail.com wrote ...

What a great role model Dr Phil is to the world. As a former law enforcement officer, I am thrilled to know that accountability means so little to some...

Sunday, Apr 13 at 11:24 AM Leah wrote ...

Dr. Phil did what? If this is true, he really does need help. Please pray for Dr. Phil. Oprah, can you help with this issue?

Sunday, Apr 13 at 3:05 AM Joe wrote ...

I agree,and so should the girls. Lets see how tough they will be in prison. Maybe someone will post their beating on YouTube.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 2:41 AM Desiree wrote ...

Dr Phil is rewarding these girls and giving them what they wanted, to be famous. He should have his show cancelled and license taken away.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 1:30 AM Lorelei wrote ...

Dr. Phil should have his head examined.

Sunday, Apr 13 at 12:38 AM joe wrote ...

enticing underage girls to violate the terms of their bonds -- that's rally cute. there should be some kind of law agaisnt that

Saturday, Apr 12 at 9:29 PM Paul Kersey wrote ...

I think Dr. Phil needs a beatdown.

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