New York City Takes Legal Action Against Dr Phil's Son Over Controversial Police Reality Series
Officials in New York City have initiated legal proceedings against television personality Dr. Phil's son, Jordan McGraw, in an effort to prevent the release of a reality television programme focused on the NYPD. The lawsuit, filed by the New York City Law Department under the administration of newly inaugurated Mayor Zohran Mamdani, targets McGraw and his production company for allegedly violating contractual agreements concerning the show, Behind the Badge.
City Alleges 'Imminent Threat' to Police Safety
The legal complaint, obtained by major news outlets, contends that the footage from the reality series poses what it describes as "an imminent threat to life and safety of active police officers." According to the suit, the material contains what officials term "extremely problematic" details, including the passcode to a police station door, information about encrypted police communications, and insights into sensitive and confidential policing techniques. The city argues that such disclosures could potentially endanger both law enforcement personnel and crime victims.
Breach of Contract and Veto Power Dispute
The lawsuit reportedly accuses McGraw of demonstrating "blatant" disregard for a contractual clause that granted New York City veto authority over portions of the police footage deemed unusable. The complaint alleges that McGraw sought to sell the footage for broadcast this year despite repeated objections from the office of former Mayor Eric Adams, under whose administration the project was initiated.
Chip Babcock, legal counsel for Jordan McGraw, responded to the allegations by suggesting the city might be overreaching. "[I]t appears that the City is seeking to restrain publication on a matter of public concern forgetting perhaps that prior restraints are presumptively unconstitutional under the First Amendment," Babcock told NBC New York.
Contrasting Views from Current and Former Mayors
Despite the legal action from Mayor Mamdani's administration, former Mayor Eric Adams publicly praised the programme in a social media post. Adams, a former NYPD officer himself, wrote: "Jordan McGraw brought exceptional talent in revealing the inside story of the dangers NYPD officers face every day. He and his team meticulously addressed every concern raised by City Hall. I'm proud that the work they did tells the real story of our brave police officers."
Background and Political Connections
The reality series, which was reportedly slated to be hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw himself, began production during Eric Adams's mayoralty. According to previous reports, a Texas-based firm linked to Jordan McGraw received a substantial $500,000 consulting fee from the 2025 Adams campaign. Unnamed sources have indicated that Mayor Adams pursued unusual creative control over the project, proceeding against the advice of his police commissioner.
Notably, the series received official approval the day following the dismissal of a federal corruption indictment against Mayor Adams. The programme reportedly featured an extensive interview with Kaz Daughtry, an Adams ally, conducted by Dr. Phil, who has been a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump. Dr. Phil also attended an Eric Adams fundraiser during the mayor's re-election campaign against Zohran Mamdani last year.
This legal action represents the latest development in ongoing concerns surrounding the controversial police reality show, highlighting tensions between transparency, public safety, and creative expression in law enforcement media portrayals.
