Zohran Mamdani Sues Dr. Phil’s Son for NYPD Reality Show

New York City officials, under newly sworn-in mayor Zohran Mamdani, have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the release of an NYPD reality show produced by Jordan McGraw, the son of television personality Dr. Phil McGraw. The legal action alleges that the footage in its current form poses serious risks to officer safety and breaches contractual and public-safety standards.

What the Mamdani Lawsuit Says

According to the lawsuit filed by the New York City Law Department, McGraw and his production company are accused of breaching the terms of their agreement with the city by attempting to sell or distribute episodes of the series Behind the Badge despite repeated objections from city officials.

City lawyers argue that the footage in the episodes, as edited, contains what they describe as “extremely problematic” material that could endanger active NYPD officers by revealing sensitive information such as police station passcodes, encrypted communication details, and other operational content.

The complaint contends that McGraw’s team ignored clauses granting the city veto power over “non-usable” content and that continuing to circulate the episodes in their current state would put lives at risk.

Background on the Show and Why Mamdani Wants it Gone

Behind the Badge originated under the previous mayor, Eric Adams, and was intended to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the New York Police Department’s daily work. The series was being produced for broadcast when the mayoral transition occurred, and control of the contract passed to Mamdani’s administration.

The footage reportedly includes multiple live arrests and operational sequences that, according to the city, should remain sealed due to privacy rules and legal protections — especially regarding juveniles and sealed cases.

With the transition of power at City Hall after the 2025 election, the show’s future became uncertain, prompting the legal action to determine whether it can be released at all.

City Officials’ Stance on Safety

City lawyers argue the lawsuit is necessary to protect not only law-enforcement personnel but also the integrity of ongoing investigations and the privacy of individuals caught on camera. They maintain that unvetted release of raw police footage could compromise active cases and reveal confidential techniques or secure information.

A key part of the city’s claim is that McGraw’s production company failed to abide by contractual terms that require vetting and approval of content before distribution.

McGraw’s Response and Legal Debate

Jordan McGraw — a musician, actor, and son of TV host Dr. Phil McGraw — is reported to be seeking a buyer for the footage, even after city officials moved to block its release. His legal team has argued that seeking to block publication on matters of public concern raises First Amendment questions, with some legal observers noting that prior restraints on speech are generally presumed unconstitutional unless narrowly justified.

A lawyer for McGraw’s side has contended that the lawsuit potentially oversteps by trying to prevent the distribution of material that McGraw obtained and edited, framing it as a constitutional issue rather than a purely contractual dispute.

What Happens Next

The suit asks a judge to bar the sale or distribution of the series in its current form. It’s unclear whether McGraw’s team will re-edit the footage to address the city’s concerns or pursue legal arguments to protect the release under free-speech protections.

Regardless of the outcome, the case places New York City at the center of a complex dispute between government oversight, public safety interests, and the boundaries of media production involving law enforcement.

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