Dr. Phil sues: Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw’s production company is suing Gawker Media for publishing an interview with the man who was behind the Manti Te’o hoax, it was reported.
The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ reported that McGraw’s firm, Peteski Productions, filed suit against Gawker in Texas because it posted footage from the “Dr. Phil” show that included an interview with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, the man behind the hoax, before the show aired it. The video was posted on Deadspin.com.
The suit claims that Deadspin published the best parts of the interview before the “Dr. Phil” segment aired in the majority of its markets, according to the Reporter.
“A remora is a fish, sometimes called a suckerfish, which attaches itself to other fish like sharks,” the complaint reads. “The host fish gains nothing from the relationship but the remora is enriched by obtaining benefits (usually food and transportation) from the host... Gawker received substantial benefits from its infringement but Pateski received nothing that is, unless its damages are compensated in this lawsuit.”
The suit, which claims Deadspin and Gawker are “serial copyright infringers,” is claiming unspecified damages, according to The Wrap website.
“Although the second show was expected to exceed the ratings number of the first show, in fact, the ratings declined substantially because the the result of the ‘CLIFFHANGER’ was no longer in doubt. It had been misappropriated by Deadspin,” the complaint adds, according to the Wrap.
