Dr. Phil Backtracks On His Comments On Bruce Jenner's Alleged Transition

As rumours of Bruce Jenner's alleged transition from male to female to continue to circulate, it seems everyone has a comment to make about his supposed life choice. Jamie Foxx caused controversy at the iHeartRadio Awards last month when he made a series of unkind jokes at Jenner's expense. Now it's Dr. Phil's turn to backtrack on his remarks after he received criticism for comments he made whilst appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday (22nd April).

Bruce Jenner, photographed here in 2013, is allegedly transitioning to female.

Kimmel asked Dr. Phil, A.K.A. Phillip McGraw, if he was disappointed Jenner had not arranged to be interviewed by Dr. Phil rather than Diane Sawyer. Dr. Phil, rather undiplomatically, claimed there would be little to say in discussing Jenner's change as there is little point in Jenner transitioning in later life.

"It would be boring to talk to me about that. I would just say, 'Look, if it's what you want to do, do it. I mean, what the hell does it matter what anybody else thinks?'" Dr. Phil told Kimmel.

"That'd be the first 30 seconds, and then I guess we'd spend the next hour and 59 minutes saying, 'You're almost 80, what's the point? This is a theoretical exercise, right?' I mean, he's kind of, like past his prime, right?"

Dr. Phil, seeing the backlash on social media from his comments, quickly issued a public statement in order to clarify his remarks. Speaking to People, the 64-year-old talk show host backtracked on his comments and stated that "it's never too late to make a life change".

"Bruce and I have known each other casually for a while and we're around the same age," Dr. Phil said. "I've said long and loud it's never too late to make a life change, and I'm personally cheering him on. I'm glad he's decided to set himself free in order to live his life authentically. It's his life and his body and his decision - more power to him."

It seems the only person not to have said anything about his transition is Jenner himself. His family have, considering their constant presence on social media, also avoided discussing Jenner's alleged transition. However this may all change soon as Jenner had already filmed an interview with Sawyer which is rumoured to reveal details of his alleged transition. Jenner's interview with Sawyer airs this Friday (24th April) at 9pm.

Watch Dr. Phil Discuss Bruce Jenner On Jimmy Kimmel Live!: