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Judge Orders Merit Street Media Liquidation Amid McGraw Controversy

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott Everett ordered Merit Street Media to convert from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 liquidation.
The judge criticized Dr. Phil McGraw for allegedly favoring certain creditors and deleting incriminating text messages.
He described MSM's business as "as dead as a doornail" at the July filing.
A trustee will oversee the sale of MSM's assets.
McGraw's spokesperson announced plans to appeal, disputing the evidence-destruction claims.

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Story summary

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott Everett ordered Merit Street Media to convert from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 liquidation.
The judge criticized Dr. Phil McGraw for allegedly favoring certain creditors and deleting incriminating text messages.
He described MSM's business as "as dead as a doornail" at the July filing.
A trustee will oversee the sale of MSM's assets.
McGraw's spokesperson announced plans to appeal, disputing the evidence-destruction claims.