‘TOXIC’ DR. PHIL’S FIRING SPREE!
Mass staff cuts after workers reveal fear of losing their jobs
FURIOUS TV shrink Dr. Phil McGraw is axing dozens of staffers in a brutal shake-up to get rid of employees who may be rats who squealed his show was a “toxic” workplace.
That’s the word from shell-shocked sources close to the CBS daytime show host, following the ferocious firing of up to 25 workers in a savage staff slashing spree ordered by the mustached mogul.
“He wants everyone to be happy at work and doesn’t think there’s room for rats, cover-ups or back-stabbing of any kind,” tattles a spy.
“Make no mistake, Phil is taking no prisoners. He doesn’t want his legacy going up in smoke and is willing to be as ruthless as it takes to get back on track. It’s last chance time and he knows it!
“The show is also burning through cash at the worst possible time given the economic strain in all industries, so a decision had to be made to streamline the existing team and move forward with a small crew of folk he feels he can totally trust.”
Dad-of-two McGraw — married to second wife Robin, 68, since 1976 — was “sick to his stomach” to learn how miserable his underlings were in recent years, a source dishes.
As GLOBE previously reported, the 71-year-old shrink came under fire earlier this year after employees went public with complaints about horrific conditions that had workers in constant fear of losing their jobs and many pushed to the edge of breakdowns.
Now — as the show prepares to enter its 21st season this fall — sources said their rattled boss felt compelled to act.
“Everyone involved with the show has been walking on eggshells for months, as Phil and the other honchos took a microscopic look at every individual affiliated with the franchise and how they came to find themselves in this hellish position,” dishes the insider.
“Nobody is openly accusing these guys who got let go of being rats or untrustworthy per se, but having a tighter crew will make it easier for Phil to keep a far closer eye on what’s going on — plus it’ll save the company a ton of money in salaries.
“He’s still an extremely proud and passionate guy, so to say it stung and humiliated him to be accused of presiding over a toxic work culture is putting it mildly.”