DR - SIMPSON AUCTIONEER SETTLES WITH DR. PHIL

SIMPSON AUCTIONEER SETTLES WITH DR. PHIL

An auctioneer caught up in the O.J. SIMPSON hotel heist who sued DR. PHIL for defamation and fraud after appearing on his talk show has accepted a settlement from the U.S. TV personality.
The former American football star was sentenced to at least 15 years in prison in December (08) after being convicted of orchestrating a sports memorabilia heist at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in September 2007.
Thomas Riccio, who arranged the meeting between Simpson and sports memorabilia collector Bruce Fromong, agreed to be interviewed by Dr. Phil - real name Philip MCGraw - about the incident, but claims the footage was edited to alter the meaning of his words.
Riccio accused MCGraw of falsely claiming that he "set O.J. Simpson up and told people to bring guns into the room", insisting his denials were cut from the final interview and instead replaced with footage of him nodding, appearing to agree with the host.
He filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from MCGraw and production company Stage 29 Media for the emotional distress of being portrayed in a false light.
But a settlement between the parties has now been reached, according to a joint statement from Riccio and MCGraw's lawyers.
The amount has not been disclosed.