Dr. Oz plans to use his TV show to fight back against critics, claiming they are trying to silence his freedom of speech.
Dr. Oz is fighting back.
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In a just-released video statement, the nation’s best known doctor is saying no way to the demand from ten doctors that he be kicked out of Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.
He said, "I vow to you right here and right now, we will not be silenced, we will not give in! I know I’ve irritated some potential allies in our quest to make America healthy. No matter our disagreements, freedom of speech is the most fundamental right we have as Americans. And these ten doctors are trying to silence that right."
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The TV doctor has been accused by the doctors of “promoting quack treatments and cures in the interest of personal financial gain."
Brian Stelter is the host of CNN’s Reliable Sources.
He told INSIDE EDITION, “When you are in a fight you look for your opponents weakest spot. That is what Dr. Oz is doing here. He says some of these doctors have a weak spot and that they are not credentialed enough to be speaking out against him. They are either taking money from the food industry or they have other conflicts of interest."
Another accusers also have a background that's coming under scrutiny. Dr. Gilbert Ross reportedly did time in a federal prison in 1996 and his physician's license was revoked for Medicare fraud. His license was later reinstated.
Stelter said, "Dr. Oz is going so far as to evoke his first amendment rights. He says these doctors are trying to take away his freedom of speech. But we should keep in mind, that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from criticism. I think in this case, criticism probably makes Dr. Oz and his show better."
