People Are Protesting an Unaired Episode of Dr. Phil Saying It Exploits Actress Shelley Duvall

People on social media are calling out Dr. Phil, saying his show exploits mental illness, for an episode airing Nov. 18 featuring actress Shelly Duvall.

Duvall, 67, known for her roles in “Popeye” and “The Shining,” sat down with Dr. Phil to discuss her undisclosed mental illness after decades out of the media spotlight. In a clip shared by the television show, Duvall mentions she is concerned there is a disc implanted in her leg; she has seen the late Robin William, who she says is now a shapeshifter, and believes she is being threatened by the fictional sheriff from “Robin Hood.” Duvall also told Dr. Phil, “I’m very sick. I need help.”

Ahead of the episode’s airdate, people are speaking out on social media, asking Dr. Phil and those involved with his show not to air the episode.

If Dr Phil really wanted to help #ShelleyDuvall he wouldn’t use cameras to do it…..exploitation. I hope she has some real support.

— Briony Kidd (@BrionyKidd) November 17, 2016

Idk might be a ground breaking new concept…but
How bout you actually help her, and not use her for ratings? #ShelleyDuvall #MyHeart

— Stevie (@OddballSeal) November 17, 2016

Can anyone please arrange to get #shelleyduvall to a REAL doctor? — Kathy Cronin (@KathyCronin007) November 17, 2016

Among those speaking out is Vivian Kubrick, the daughter of “The Shining” director Stanley Kubrick. In a letter shared on Twitter, Kubrick wrote, “You are putting Shelly Duvall ‘on show’ while she is suffering from a pitiable state of ill health. Unquestionably, this is purely a form of lurid and exploitative entertainment — it’s appallingly cruel.”

My Letter to you @DrPhil Re: Your exploitive use of Shelly Duvall is a form of LURID ENTERTAINMENT and is shameful. pic.twitter.com/4f6MRTzr0A — Vivian Kubrick (@ViKu1111) November 17, 2016

 

Kubrick closes the letter asking others to join her in boycotting the show, “I recoil in complete disgust. I hope others will join me in boycotting your utterly heartless form of entertainment, because it has nothing to do with compassionate healing.”

Is Dr. Phil exploiting Shelley Duvall and her mental illness? Let us know in the comments below.