Dr. Phil has taken a strong stance against the media’s portrayal of the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, accusing major networks like CNN and MSNBC of distorting the narrative surrounding the protests. On his show, ‘The Real Story,’ the talk show host presented evidence of the riots’ violent nature, contrasting it with how the media has chosen to downplay the events. He criticized the media for not only misrepresenting the situation but also for encouraging criminal behavior by minimizing the severity of the chaos.
Dr. Phil pointed out specific instances where CNN and MSNBC had portrayed the events as non-violent, arguing that this misrepresentation is part of a broader trend of media bias. The host also highlighted how such coverage is contributing to a cycle of violence and lawlessness, with the, media playing a role in perpetuating the unrest. In one clip, he showed CNN host Dana Bash downplaying what is happening in L.A. in comparison to 1992, saying, ‘That was a real riot.’
He proceeded to share a video of MSNBC interviewing Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., with a split screen of cars on fire as she referred to the riot as a ‘manufactured crisis.’ Dr. Phil retorted that MSNBC’s news coverage is what’s actually ‘manufactured.’ He mocked one MSNBC reporter saying the protest had a ‘celebratory atmosphere,’ while another host said that these are ‘peaceful’ protests that whole families are attending.
Dr. Phil used sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of these claims, quipping, ‘Great place to take kids,’ as he clearly disagreed with the notion that such events are peaceful. After showing multiple examples of violent criminals rounded up by ICE, he stated, ‘Look, this was not a witch hunt to round up ‘Abuela Maria.’ It’s law enforcement getting criminals off the street.’ He further argued that the left’s rhetoric about abolishing ICE is functionally equivalent to advocating for open borders, a stance he described as nonsensical.
He then highlighted MSNBC’s Jacob Soboroff as a ‘so-called ‘journalist’ making the case that there’s nothing wrong with coming and staying in the US illegally.’ Dr. Phil concluded that the media is not just rewarding bad behavior by sugarcoating it, but is actively encouraging it. He argued that this is why mainstream media viewership has tanked, suggesting that viewers must seek the truth and cut through the ‘legacy media noise.’ Fox News Digital reached out to CNN and MSNBC for comment, but no response has been provided as of yet.