Dr. Phil Blasts Lawsuit

TV self-help guru Dr. Phil has slammed allegations he groped a woman and held her captive during a therapy session, branding her claims meritless.

Shirley Dieu filed suit on Wednesday (07Oct09), claiming the U.S. TV personality touched her breast and forced her to stay in his office with a naked man in 2007.

Dieu is seeking unspecified damages, but Dr Phil - full name Phil McGraw - has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

He claims Dieu is lying because clients are never alone with him in hisoffice.

A representative for Dr Phil tells Tmz.com, "All of Shirley Rae Dieu'sclaims are without merit. As with all of the occupants of the DR. PHIL House, Ms. Dieu participated voluntarily, having submitted her personal story with the hope that she could confront, and overcome, her individual issues. "Dr.

Phil is never alone in the House with any of these guests and all of his interactions are captured on video andor audio tape.

All guests are, of course, free to come and go as they please and once Ms.

Dieu expressed her discomfort, and producers ascertained there was nothing they could do to help her, they called a car service to return her to her home".