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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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46. I was in Judge Mathis's courtroom in Detroit. I was one of the only white females in the room. My lawyer wanted my case dismissed (after my 3rd time there) and he dismissed it right away. So for that fact I love Judge Mathis and do NOT think he is racist! He easily could've made my life hell!

Posted at 11:13AM on Oct 6th 2007 by christyr

47. Funny!!! Check out this pic I found of Melody
http://www.waveto.com/index/page/view_photo/photo_id/259

Posted at 11:24AM on Oct 6th 2007 by Amy

48. Shout out from the "D" to ya, Judge!!! She shows her bigotry towards "hillbillies" by being offended if she thought that she was called one. Hey- YOU can call me anything you want, Big Daddy..............

Posted at 5:29PM on Oct 6th 2007 by Whatthe??

49. this realy offends us real true to life hillbillies kick the judge and the imposter to the curb

Posted at 11:44AM on Oct 6th 2007 by true hillbilly

50. I don't believe he would say that. He is not about trying to hurt anyone.

I like the Judge. He is funny, bright, and compassionate.

Posted at 11:59AM on Oct 6th 2007 by jay jay

51. this judge is blatantly racist against whites.

anyone who says he is not is stupid, blind or a liar

Posted at 5:27PM on Oct 6th 2007 by jvan

52. this judge is blatantly racist against whites.

anyone who says he is not is stupid, blind or a liar

Posted at 5:24PM on Oct 6th 2007 by jvan

53. You go Judge Mathis. He has one of the most genuine personalities out there in tv land. He's a riot!!!!!!! The man is smart, witty and very entertaining. All you hillbillies out there go see Judge Joe Brown now there sits a moron!

Posted at 5:46PM on Oct 7th 2007 by MLR

54. She may be a hillbilly but the judge is an arrogant know-it-all.

Posted at 12:38PM on Oct 6th 2007 by DirtyHarry

55.
No where did it say the Judge did not call her a hillbilly.
TMZ's caption is not in quotes but added by them, they are also very biased as they admit.
The woman is full of it about no knowing this and that but he may have called her a hillbilly.

Posted at 3:53PM on Oct 6th 2007 by Vin

56. I DON'T REMEMBER SEEING THIS PARTICULAR MATHIS SHOW AND MIND U I AM A COMMITTED FAN OF THE SHOW. WHOEVER THIS PERSON IS MUSST NEED MONEY BECAUSE JUDGE MATHIS IS A VERY DECENT JUDGE WHO IS VERY ETHICAL AND ARTICULATE THERFORE THE LIL HILLBILLY GAL NEED TO FIND SOME ONE ELSE TO PICK ON

BOTTOM LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 4:20PM on Oct 6th 2007 by Michelle BrowN

57. I realized that these court shows were not real when I saw a couple on Judge Mathis getting sued.....then on Judge Judy suing. The couple lost a $5000 suit against a sister in law, then went to Judge Judy and won a $5000 suit against a friend. It was so funny because I really do think that since you get paid to be on the show and have hotel and food provided for you, some people might try to make careers out of this. I'm waiting to flip though channels one day and see this same couple on another court show!

On the real, Judge Mathis calls people, Hillbilly, ghetto, crass, crack head, weed head, all kinds of names. I think it's just for the shock value and to get laughs.

Posted at 9:47AM on Oct 9th 2007 by jjjess10

58. I am PROUD to be a hillbilly

Posted at 4:11PM on Oct 6th 2007 by cooky

59. just a comment from a proud hillbilly...I love his show,along with the other court shows (Joe Brown, Judge Judy..etc). I say her suit is silly, she absolutely knew what she was getting. I do take issue with the term hillbilly being used in a derrogatory way.....the majority of us are nice folks, live in homes, and even own shoes!! Its the context in which it is said I think that we find insulting...does that make sense? Most folks use it as an insult, when it truly isnt....just another silly stereotype. Besides, anyone that knows American History also knows that it was the "Hillbillies" that separated from the crown years before anyone signed the Declaration of Indep. Pretty interesting background for anyone that is truly interested in the role our early "Hillbillies" played in the forming of this great country......God Bless our Troops Y'all :)

Posted at 4:33PM on Oct 6th 2007 by Proud Hillfolk

60. #28-Dan
What are you? A stupid annoying, ignorant, uneducated, slurring racist slob? I think we should be more relaxed about how karma comes back to bite you in the ass. Freedom of speech? Always. Malicious, insensitive, mentally and emotionally ill creep promoting racism on the internet? Never! Now go ahead and tell us- what is your race?You are not a superior human being for having written something so hateful. Shame on you.

Posted at 5:04PM on Oct 6th 2007 by Pissed off and disgusted by people like #28, "DAN"

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