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Judge Mathis -- I Didn't Say Hillbilly

Posted Oct 6th 2007 12:02AM by TMZ Staff

As TMZ first reported, San Diego resident Melody Burnham sued TV's Judge Greg Mathis and his show's production companies, claiming she didn't know Mathis was not a real judge in a real court. She also says Mathis called her a "hillbilly" on the show.

A spokesperson for Telepictures Productions, the company that produces "Judge Mathis," tells TMZ: "We believe this case has absolutely no merit. Greg Mathis is a respected lawyer and former judge. The show, currently in its ninth season, follows strict procedures for case selection, releases and binding awards. All participants sign releases before appearing on the program and any allegations that this was not a real case are unfounded and fabricated. Judge Mathis' track record for advocacy and fairness to all speaks for itself."

TMZ is a joint venture between Telepictures and AOL.

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31. He is a stupid annoying n.i.g.g.e.r
who should be able to say hillbilly
freedom of speech always, PC never, I think then we would all be more relaxed about race

Posted at 8:48AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Dan

32. I watch the Honourable Judge Greg Mathis and the Honourable Judge Judy almost every day... They are very smart and fair Judges...I'm sure befor they even film the show the cases are gone over by a staff of lawyers. ....AT the start of each show their credentials are explained to the T.V. viewers.....These Judges are two wonderful examples of what you can achive by staying in school.

Posted at 8:58AM on Oct 6th 2007 by ETOOLE

33. He is a racist and a bad one at that.....he can hide behind tht robe since he isn't a REAL judge.....and no he is not an ACTIVE judge so don't start......If he had been white he would have been thrown off TV a long time ago......

Posted at 9:06AM on Oct 6th 2007 by GetRidofMathis

34. Fire him early & often // his 15 racist sexist minutes are up ,,,

Posted at 1:29PM on Oct 6th 2007 by John

35. I cannot stand Mathis. His in-your-face racial overtones are disgusting. We all can see right through his biased verdicts!

He continually throws out the "race card" even when it has NOTHING to do with a case. Thank God he's not a REAL judge!

He thinks he deserves some kind of admiration just because he grew up poor. He was a self described street thug. He's the worst tv judge out there. I hope his show gets canceled.

Posted at 9:31AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Mathis makes me sick!

36. What does she mean "she didnot know he was a real Judge or that was a real show"? What planet was she on when she signed the release? Hillybilly Island? They are all either sitting Judges or retired. I am from Judge Mathis' hometown and he was and still is very respected here. I watch his show often and he does not allow the participants to call each other names and I do not believe he did. What would she have done if she had been on Judge Judy and she called her "stupid" as she does quite often? Dont tell me , she needs money so she is sueing so she can get a trailer . Get over it!!! I know people of all races that I could very easy refer to as "hillbilly".

Posted at 10:06AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Kath

37. San Diego, CA. gots hillbillies! Transplanted country-assed hick Melody Burnham didn't find gold, Texas Tea but loaded up the truck with Jethro, Granny and moved to San Diego!

Posted at 2:11PM on Oct 6th 2007 by Tony

38. To #32 and #33 -- What do you mean "thank god he is not a REAL Judge--duh!!!! Since when is a RETIRED judge not a REAL judge?

Posted at 10:08AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Kath

39. Last I checked, "hillbilly" isn't a racial slur... it's just a term for people who are isolated from the general population... Now had he called her "white trash", "cracker", etc. then I think the rantings about racism would be appropriate. I don't watch his show personally, the only one of these shows I can actually stomach is Peoples' Court... Judge Judy is too much of a bitch!

Posted at 10:10AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Blind People Piss Me Off

40. Stop watching this trash and get jobs like the rest of us.

Posted at 9:07PM on Oct 6th 2007 by urall boneheads

41. I was ALMOST on one of these shows a few years back due to a legal case I wanted to finally settle. The cases DO have to be actual lawsuits, but they cannot have been already settled. As far as I know and was told, the tv show pays the judgment, so its win-win for everyone. In my case, at the end, the other party didn't want to go on public television and be exposed for the fraud and thief that he is, so I'm still out my money.

Posted at 10:34AM on Oct 6th 2007 by CoCo

42. So what he called her a hillbilly, He call them like he see them and so do I.
YOU GO.... Judge Mathis .

Posted at 5:38PM on Oct 6th 2007 by N1blacklove

43. He is a joke. RACIST..

Posted at 10:51AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Dirty white Boy.

44. I absolutely, adore this man! Love his show and watch his show! I had the honoe to meet
Judge Mathis in Beverly Hills, 2 years ago, he was dining at Spago with Rev. Jesse Jackson and other dignitaries. I spoke with him for several minutes, He was so
gracious and pleasant ! I was so impressed with personality and demeanor! Jesse Jackson was rude and very unfriendly! Judge Mathis is One Class Act! I, Now have
More Respect for Him! Don't believe the crap you read on these tabloid forums.
Real live experience is more valuable and meaningful

Posted at 11:04AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Regina

45. She is a hillbilly. Acting like she didnt know she was on t.v. DUH!!!

Posted at 11:05AM on Oct 6th 2007 by cleveland1

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