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Judge Orders Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media Into Chapter 7 Liquidation

Evidence of deleted texts, creditor favoritism, and asset shifting to Envoy Media led to appointment of an independent trustee.

Overview

  • U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott W. Everett converted Merit Street’s Chapter 11 case to Chapter 7, finding no realistic path to reorganization.
  • A trustee will sell the company’s assets, including its media library, and oversee related litigation tied to the failed TBN deal.
  • The court cited a deleted text about wiping out claims by Trinity Broadcasting Network and Professional Bull Riders as proof of bad faith.
  • Findings indicated plans to move employees and assets to McGraw’s new venture, Envoy Media, undermining the Chapter 11 bid.
  • Peteski Productions said it will appeal the ruling as major creditors including PBR, which claims about $181 million, welcomed the conversion.