Dr Phil embroiled in Twitter outrage

Los Angeles - The self-help guru seems to be getting more advice than he gives in the Twitter-sphere.

Dr Phil, famous for his show where he helps people that have suffered through various traumas and psychological problems, tweeted a poll question for an upcoming show theme on Tuesday that left social media users furious:

@rowast @DrPhil here you go! pic.twitter.com/WZu00QcxOu

— Angela (@mirkinsane) August 20, 2013

He deleted the tweet soon after it became clear that people viewed his rape question as apologist.

(TW) FIXED THAT FOR YOU MT @DrPhil If a girl is drunk, is it OK to RAPE her? Reply yes or no to @DrPhil #teensaccused

— Hurricane Virginia (@tootwistedtv) August 20, 2013

#teensaccused- of what? Rape? Way to be survivor centered @DrPhil. How are you a medical doctor...?

— Fake Feminist Boy (@ProFeministBro) August 21, 2013

If a fake therapist is a complete dickhole, is it okay to berate him on social media? Reply y/n to @DrPhil #teensaccused

— Waka Flocka Shame. (@FETA_WORLDPEACE) August 21, 2013

@DrPhil As a girl, I enjoy waking up and not knowing who penetrated me the night before. #teensaccused

— TJ Marston (@teej_12) August 20, 2013

Are you "asking for a friend"? RT @DrPhil: If a girl is drunk, is it OK to have sex with her? Reply yes or no to @drphil #teensaccused

— André_botnet (@MabandeOpenBeta) August 21, 2013

Proof that a womans sexuality is not her own RT @DrPhil: If a girl is drunk, is it OK to have sex with her? Reply yes or no to #teensaccused

— Sofie Haglund (@sofiehag) August 21, 2013

If guy is pretend doctor, is it OK for him to send tweet essentially asking if rape is OK and then delete it? Reply yes or no to @DrPhil.

— Second Derivative (@derivativedos) August 20, 2013

His show's spokesperson responded to Buzfeed's enquiry about the tweet and responded with the following:

"This tweet was intended to evoke discussion leading into a very serious show topic. It was not intended to be taken lightly," the spokesperson said. "It’s based upon a recent news story, hence the #teensaccused label."

Steubenville rape case

The question of intoxication in a rape case became a massive public discussion in the US during the trial of teenagers Trent Mays and Ma'lik Richmond who were accused of sexually assaulting a drunk 16-year-old and taking and distributing photos of the act through social media.

The two football stars were found guilty and sentenced to two years and one year respectively in juvenile detention, but the case has divided opinion on alcohol's effect on sexual consent and the power of football teams in small communities.