Springer Fights Faked, Guests Say

Several tell Extra that their appearances are scripted and coached

By Marcus Errico Apr 23, 1998 12:00 AMTags
All you Jerry Springer fans out there better sit down for this one.

Your favorite boxing match-cum-talk show just might be--believe it or not--staged.

This tidbit comes courtesy of the syndicated news mag Extra. In what it calls "a revealing exclusive report," the TV tabloid quotes 16 ex-Springer guests (all of whom are identified by first name only) saying their onscreen antics were scripted and coached by Springer's minions.

"We acted everything. When you have to do this. When you have to say this. When you have to punch, when you have to push. They wanted us to wrestle and throw each other around. They said...'We want four fights,' " says former guest Gary.

Adds onetime Springer subject Kelly (described by Extra as a model): "I was [supposed to] be with someone for two and a half years and I was cheating on him with my photographer. I didn't even know the two guys."

Finally, ex-guest Roger notes: "We went on the show knowing it was fake, so basically we were acting. That's how they made it sound. Like it was our acting debut."

Sheesh, next they'll be telling us that pro wrestling is fake.

Calls to Springer's publicist seeking comment were not immediately returned. However, Extra claims to have contacted a Springer who denies any of the shows are setups and says all guests' stories are verified, with everyone required to sign sworn affidavits.

Real or not, the pushing and shoving has catapulted The Jerry Springer Show into the No. 1 daytime slot, ahead of the far less sleazy Oprah Winfrey Show. Recently, Springer's production company, USA Networks, said it would begin editing out gratuitous fight scenes from the show.

The Extra report is scheduled to air Thursday.