Dr. Phil sues National Enquirer over spousal abuse articles

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Television talk show host "Dr. Phil" McGraw and his wife are suing The National Enquirer for $250 million, charging that the supermarket tabloid falsely accused him of being an abusive husband and a hypocrite who doesn't practice what he preaches.

According to the lawsuit filed last week in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Enquirer owner American Media Inc., the tabloid has tarnished McGraw's reputation by falsely accusing him of physically and verbally abusing his wife, Robin. The article said Robin McGraw tolerated the abuse and that the couple are getting divorced.

The suit says such allegations unjustly harm the McGraws' reputation as outspoken opponents of spousal abuse.

In a written statement, American Media denied the lawsuit's allegations and said it would expose Phil McGraw's "stale and fraudulent claims for what they really are."