Dr Phil reminded of Oprah Winfrey's role in his rise to fame after he claims US was 'not built on DEI'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Television personality Phil McGraw, better known as "Dr Phil" was reminded by netizens of how he earned his millions when he rallied against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday, October 27.

Tim McGraw started his television career as a guest on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show', a fact that the Internet quickly pointed out after he claimed that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris was chosen to replace Joe Biden solely because of her race. He also argued that the country was "built on hard work."

Dr Phil's rant against DEI at the Trump rally

While questioning Kamala Harris' nomination during his speech, Phil McGraw referenced his production company, stating, "By the way, we didn’t choose the name by random—Merit Street Media. This country was built on hard work, added value, and talent, not on equal outcomes or DEI. This country was built on hard work."

Demonstrating a remarkable lack of self-awareness, he proceeded to criticize "legacy media" for purportedly supporting Harris and singled out celebrities endorsing the vice president, except Oprah, reported NJ.com.

“You guys aren’t dumb,” he told the crowd. “You don’t need to be told what to think. You just need the facts, and you’re here because you have the facts, right? You’re here because you recognize when legacy media edits answers and gives you what they want you to hear instead of the truth, and when they start editing their candidate's answers, they’ve lost their moral compass."

"They’ve lost their way," he continued. "And I would love to say it’s equal on both sides, but I’ll guarantee you when Beyonce, George Clooney, De Niro, and Lizzo come out and say they’re for Kamala Harris ... did you read anything or hear anything in the media criticizing it? No, but you watch what happens tomorrow morning when people find out I came here to talk to you. You say this in Hollywood and all of a sudden, you ain’t got a job. The problem is, I don’t need one.”

Dr Phil's endorsement of Donald Trump

Phil McGraw endorsed GOP nominee and former President Donald Trump on Sunday, asserting that the 78-year-old is "tough as an old Army boot" and not a "bully" in any sense.

McGraw stated, “I am not here just to stand up for Donald J Trump. Lord knows he doesn’t need me to stand up for him. He’s tough as an old army boot."

"He’s got lots of enemies, different groups that are scared, and between them, they have impeached him, indicted him, raided him, railroaded him, shot him, and sued him. And where is he? He is still standing,” he added, according to Deadline.

Despite acknowledging that he doesn’t agree with Trump on every issue, McGraw said, “No human is perfect. We don’t strive for perfection; we strive for excellence. You don’t have to love everything about someone to appreciate them, and the last thing he (Trump) needs is a celebrity endorsement.”

Netizens highlight Oprah Winfrey's impact on Dr Phil's career

Netizens responding to Phil McGraw's DEI statement reminded him that his career was largely shaped by the influential Black media icon Oprah Winfrey. Here are some of their notable reactions.

"This country was absolutely built on hard work Dr. Phil…on the backs of Black, Brown, and immigrants from all across this WORLD! Many of whom were forced to do so! SLAVERY. Let us know when you’re ready to tell the WHOLE story," said the organization, NAACP.

"Says the white guy who was handed a career by a black woman," quipped another.

"Dr. Phil wouldn’t be a household name if it weren’t for Oprah, a Black woman. Yet he’s going off about DEIs," stated a user.

"Once again I’d like to point out that Oprah owes us all a huge apology for Dr Phil," expressed another.

"This man is supposed to help people with mental health issues?" inquired a user.

"Oh look, a rich white man who calls himself a doctor even those he has no such degree, is bent out of shape about the idea of equity and inclusion," mocked another user.

"Black people built this country and made you famous but continue," echoed a user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.