TMZ

{{Infobox website

| name = TMZ

| logo = TMZLogo.svg

| logo_size = 200px

| caption = Logo of TMZ.com

| url = {{URL|tmz.com}}

| type of organization =

| type = Tabloid journalism

| language = English, Spanish

| registration = Optional

| owner = Fox Corporation

| parent = {{ubl

|Telepictures (2005–2021)

|Fox Entertainment (2021–present)

}}

| author = {{Plainlist|

Harvey Levin
Jim Paratore{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2012/05/29/jim-paratore-tmz-founder-dies-telepictures-ellen-degeneres/|date=May 29, 2012|title=Jim Paratore, TMZ Founder, Dies at 58|website=TMZ|access-date=July 2, 2012|archive-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701000405/http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/29/jim-paratore-tmz-founder-dies-telepictures-ellen-degeneres|url-status=live}}

}}

| editor = Harvey Levin

| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2005|11|8}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2009/11/08/tmz-pretty-mature-for-a-4-year-old|title=TMZ – Pretty Mature for a 4-Year-Old|website=TMZ|date=November 8, 2009|access-date=November 25, 2009|archive-date=November 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091111202801/http://www.tmz.com/2009/11/08/tmz-pretty-mature-for-a-4-year-old/|url-status=live}}

| commercial = Yes

| current_status = Active

}}

TMZ is an American entertainment-focused tabloid news organization owned by Fox Corporation. It made its debut on November 8, 2005, as a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures, a division of Warner Bros.,{{cite web| url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/46680|date=August 1, 2006|title=Newsweek, What's a TMZ? |work=Newsweek |access-date=November 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109125759/http://www.newsweek.com/id/46680|archive-date=January 9, 2008|url-status=dead}} until Time Warner divested AOL in 2009. On September 13, 2021, Fox Corporation acquired TMZ from WarnerMedia for $50 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2FB23N|date=August 10, 2021|title=WarnerMedia in talks to sell its tabloid TMZ to Fox – The Information|work=Reuters|access-date=August 10, 2021|archive-date=November 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122183344/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2FB23N|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/13/media/tmz-sold-fox-entertainment/index.html|date=September 13, 2021|title=TMZ sold to Fox Entertainment|work=CNN Business|access-date=September 13, 2021|archive-date=September 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913205143/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/13/media/tmz-sold-fox-entertainment/index.html|url-status=live}}

The name TMZ is derived from the initialism for thirty-mile zone that was historically used in the film and television industry to refer to the so-called "studio zone"—an area with a {{Convert|30|mi|adj=mid}} radius centered on the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. It was called the studio zone because of the number of film and television studios within it.

TMZ's managing editor is Harvey Levin, a lawyer-turned-journalist who was previously a legal expert for the Los Angeles television station KCBS-TV.{{cite web|url=http://www.askmen.com/specials/2008_top_49/harvey-levin-32.html|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322072511/http://www.askmen.com/specials/2008_top_49/harvey-levin-32.html |archive-date=March 22, 2009 |title=Harvey Levin Top 49 2008|access-date=April 5, 2015}}

Development

Three months before TMZ's official launch, America Online (AOL) had indicated its intention to create a Hollywood and entertainment-focused news site in collaboration with Telepictures Productions. During this pre-launch period, AOL expressed interest in establishing a website with a primary emphasis on celebrities. Upon the site's official launch, AOL confirmed that it would predominantly showcase Hollywood gossip, encompassing interviews, photos, and video content featuring celebrities. Additionally, the platform would provide information related to industry news, covering movies, television shows, and more.

The site was described as "an effort to further feed the current American obsession with celebrities". Mike Shields of MediaWeek.com wrote, "the site also boasts of an expansive collection of archived star photos and videos", allowing fans to "trace changing hairlines and waistlines of their favorites performers over the years".{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001656883|date=December 5, 2005|title=AOL-Time Warner Launches TMZ.com|first=Mike |last= Shields|website=MediaWeek|access-date=November 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219061419/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001656883|archive-date=February 19, 2006|url-status=dead}}

Company synopsis

File:Victory Studios.jpg (pictured here in 2007), where TMZ launched. TMZ later relocated to Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. Since April 2013, TMZ is located in Playa Vista, California.{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Daniel|title=TMZ to Exit West Hollywood Headquarters for New Westside Office|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tmz-west-hollywood-headquarters-real-estate-294682|access-date=April 19, 2013|archive-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518052229/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tmz-west-hollywood-headquarters-real-estate-294682|url-status=live}}]]

Since 2005, TMZ has signed New Line Cinema, Hilton Hotels, Chrysler and Revlon as charter advertisers to their website. The New York Times cited TMZ as "one of the most successful online ventures of the last few years." In October 2008, the New York Times reported that TMZ, at the time, was receiving more than 10 million viewers every month.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/business/media/26steal.html?scp=2&sq=TMZ&st=cse|first=Michael|last=Cieply|title=A Star Watcher Has Star Power|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 25, 2008|access-date=November 29, 2009|archive-date=December 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223183750/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/business/media/26steal.html?scp=2&sq=TMZ&st=cse|url-status=live}}

Levin has acknowledged that TMZ has passed on multiple notable coverages because he felt that, while the stories are true, he questioned how the sources obtained their information. Levin has acknowledged that TMZ pays sources, but in the form of a "tip fee". Levin stated that TMZ pays for photos and for 'tips' or leads on stories, and defended TMZ's position by stating that the sources and tips are verified before being used or reported.{{cite web |author= |author-link=CNN |date=August 2, 2009 |title=CNN's Reliable Sources 8/2/2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EExe2QvfRac&feature=player_embedded# |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017180257/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EExe2QvfRac&feature=player_embedded |archive-date=2013-10-17 |access-date=November 29, 2009 |work=YouTube}}

In November 2009, TMZ's revenue was publicly disclosed for the first time. Telepictures (which TMZ is operated by) stated: "Subject to certain performance adjustments and the reimbursement of expenses, revenues are split evenly between the parties [...] Telepictures received payments of {{USD}}6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and {{USD}}12.7 million, {{USD}}9.6 million and {{USD}}3.0 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively." Based on released figures, TMZ's revenues for 2008 was {{USD}}25.4 million and is projected to have less revenue in the 2009 year with the revenue of $12.4 million in first three quarters of the year—unlike the previous year, which was within the {{USD}}15 million range.{{cite web|url=http://paidcontent.org/article/419-with-aol-spinoff-tmz-to-move-to-time-warnertelepictures-as-expected-25m |title=With AOL Spinoff, TMZ To Move To Time Warner/Telepictures, As Expected; $25M 2008 |website=PaidContent.org |first=Rafat |last=Ali |date=November 16, 2009 |access-date=November 29, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119033956/http://paidcontent.org/article/419-with-aol-spinoff-tmz-to-move-to-time-warnertelepictures-as-expected-25m/ |archive-date=November 19, 2009 }}

On May 29, 2012, co-founder Jim Paratore died of a heart attack during a cycling trip in France. Paratore was known for his work in television production, producing several daytime and syndicated programs, particularly while serving as an executive at Telepictures (which co-produced the website's companion syndicated television series).[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/business/media/jim-paratore-58-co-creator-of-tmz-dies.html Jim Paratore, Co-Creator of TMZ, Dies at 58] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608074215/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/business/media/jim-paratore-58-co-creator-of-tmz-dies.html |date=June 8, 2016 }}, The New York Times, June 1, 2012.

Legal issues

=Contempt-of-court motion=

On June 20, 2007, a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee filed an emergency motion{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0620071oj3.html |title=Contempt of Court filing against TMZ regarding If I Did It |date=June 20, 2007 |website=The Smoking Gun|access-date=November 25, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306015509/http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0620071oj3.html |archive-date=March 6, 2009 }} requesting that the TMZ website be held in contempt for its publication of the entire manuscript of If I Did It, O. J. Simpson's purportedly fictionalized account of the murder of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0620071oj1.html|title=A Contemptuous Act?|date=June 20, 2007|website=TheSmokingGun.com|access-date=November 25, 2009|archive-date=December 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231103317/http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0620071oj1.html|url-status=live}}

The filing claimed TMZ's posting of the PDF of the entire book has "diminished or destroyed" its value.

=Photographer altercation=

While actor Woody Harrelson was at New York City's LaGuardia Airport, he had an altercation with a photographer for TMZ. Harrelson defended himself stating that he had at the time just finished filming his scenes from the horror film, that consists mainly of zombies, Zombieland, and that he was "startled" by the TMZ photographer. "I wrapped a movie called Zombieland, in which I was constantly under assault by zombies, then flew to New York, still very much in character ... With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo, who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie."{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrities/2009/05/12/9429036-sun.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515103010/http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/celebrities/2009/05/12/9429036-sun.html|archive-date=May 15, 2009|newspaper=TorontoSun.com|first= Thane |last= Burnett|title=Caught on camera|date=May 12, 2009|access-date=November 26, 2009 |url-status=dead}}

=Temporary block in the UK=

On December 24, 2010, the gossip blog "Oh No They Didn't" reported that TMZ began blocking traffic from the UK, displaying the message: "Due to laws within your region, you are unable to view this website." Asked for further comment, TMZ responded that the blocking was due to "legal restrictions" related to English defamation law.{{cite web|url=http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/54584680.html |title=TMZ blocks visitors in UK |work=Oh No They Didn't |access-date=December 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227103818/http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/54584680.html |archive-date=December 27, 2010 }} The UK website "Popbitch Board" noted on December 31, 2010, that it is possible to get around the block by accessing the website through the Google Translate website. As of January 7, 2011, TMZ is accessible in the UK.{{cite tweet|user=HarveyLevinTMZ|number=23516411561246720|title=Hey UK ... TMZ IS BACK!!!!!!! |date=2011-01-07}}

Branches

=''TMZ Live''=

TMZ Live is a live-chat program from TMZ that features Levin and fellow TMZ executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere, and occasionally senior producer Michael Babcock filling in for one or both hosts.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Other TMZ staffers (mainly those who regularly appear on TMZ on TV) also appear on the broadcast as contributors to provide additional outline of the story as well as to provide opinion. The live webcast takes place at the TMZ offices in Los Angeles,Harvey Levin confirmed, during a TMZ live chat, that the live chat takes place in TMZ's office. and is broadcast on TMZ.com Monday through Fridays from approximately 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (the length varies depending on the featured segments).

The TMZ Live television and Internet programs review stories that TMZ is covering on the website, and at times, features live interviews (most of which are conducted through webcam conferencing) as well as viewer opinions via Twitter, telephone and video chat (including Skype). In addition, the program features regular segments towards the end of each edition: "Viewer's Choice" (aired as the penultimate segment) featuring viewer questions or comments about stories featured in the broadcast, with additional commentary or analysis by the hosts. "Hate Mail," featured on the Wednesday edition of the webcast (the Thursday edition on the television broadcast), in which negative emails and letters sent by viewers (some of which feature potshots at Levin or Latibeaudiere) are read by the hosts.

"Tim's Rejects," featured on the Thursday edition of the webcast (the Friday edition on the television broadcast), in which staffer Tim Nowak presents three offbeat news stories (that are not entertainment or sports-related) which are critiqued by the hosts. "The Loser's Circle," featured on the Friday edition of the webcast (the Monday edition on the television broadcast) since February 2015, in which Levin, Latibeaudiere and TMZ on TV executive producer Evan Rosenblum judge a clip from a TMZ videographer that was originally rejected from being posted on TMZ.com by Levin or broadcast on TMZ on TV by post-production supervisor Chad Weiser following its initial pitch. "Tim's Rejects" and "Hate Mail" were previously aired as the last segment of their respective editions until April 2015, when they were shifted to the block preceding that occupied by the "Viewer's Choice" segment (at which point, all three segments as well as "The Loser's Circle" began to be followed by a story segment).

In March 2012, Fox Television Stations tested a syndicated broadcast of TMZ Live (which is an hour-long edited version of the live webcast that is broadcast on a one-day delay from its original tape date, with segments aired in a different order, mainly due to live interviews that require the segment to be shown out of order on the webcast for varied reasons) on its television stations in Los Angeles and Phoenix. In June 2012, SiriusXM Radio announced that the show would be aired daily on its Sirius XM Stars channel. In October of that year, the television show was expanded to seven markets, adding Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Minneapolis. On September 9, 2013, TMZ Live began airing on all 18 Fox owned-and-operated stations.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/09/09/lamar-odom-roommate-polina-polonsky-saw-crack-use-khloe-kardashian/|title=Lamar Odom 'Roommate' Says ... I Saw Him Do Crack|date=September 9, 2013|website=TMZ|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=September 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910163918/http://www.tmz.com/2013/09/09/lamar-odom-roommate-polina-polonsky-saw-crack-use-khloe-kardashian/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/fox-adds-tmz-live-to-all-its-owned-stations_b100260|title=FOX Adds 'TMZ Live' To All Its Owned Stations|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=August 12, 2013|website=Mediabistro.com|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=August 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826014006/http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/fox-adds-tmz-live-to-all-its-owned-stations_b100260|url-status=live}} The program began to be syndicated to stations outside of the Fox Television Stations group in the spring of 2014.

=''TMZ on TV''=

On September 10, 2007, TMZ launched an accompanying television series, TMZ on TV.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/tmz-tv-debuts-strong-despite-falter-1117972127/|date=September 17, 2007|title='TMZ' TV debuts strong despite falter|work=Variety|first=Jon|last=Dempsey|access-date=November 28, 2009|archive-date=February 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218013304/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972127.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2562|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/09/11/2007-09-11_on_tmz_on_tv_beware_snark_attack.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117175345/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/09/11/2007-09-11_on_tmz_on_tv_beware_snark_attack.html|archive-date=November 17, 2007|work=The New York Daily News|title=On 'TMZ on TV,' beware snark attack|first= David |last= Bianculli|date=September 11, 2007|access-date=November 28, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2007/09/14/tmz_on_tv_its_et_without_tlc|title='TMZ' on TV? It's 'ET' without TLC.|work=Boston.com|first=Matthew|last=Gilbert|date=September 14, 2007|access-date=November 28, 2009|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311005332/http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2007/09/14/tmz_on_tv_its_et_without_tlc/|url-status=live}} The syndicated television program airs Monday through Fridays.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

In the United States, the show airs in various timeslots on stations of varying network affiliation (primarily on Fox stations), mainly either in early primetime or after late local newscasts, with an hour-long 'best-of' program compiling select stories from the weekday broadcasts airing on weekends.{{cite web|url=http://television.aol.com/show/tmz/1291372/upcoming |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017015142/http://television.aol.com/show/tmz/1291372/upcoming |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |url-status=dead|date=September 10, 2007|title=TMZ When It's On|work=AOL.com|access-date=November 28, 2009}} The show covers stories similar to those found on the website and TMZ Live, with the main difference being that TMZ on TV largely delivers its stories in a humorous manner whereas a mix of humorous and serious news stories appear on the website and companion web/television series. TMZ offers viewers the option of being able to view the two most recent episodes of the program on TMZ.com after the episode's original airdate (being available for viewing for two days after the broadcast on weekdays and three days after the original broadcast on weekends).{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/tmztv|title=TMZ On TV|website=TMZ|access-date=November 28, 2009|archive-date=November 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126083713/http://www.tmz.com/tmztv|url-status=live}}

Chris Persell, of TVWeek.com, stated that the show is a "complement [to] the website, with news updates added to later airings of the show". Levin and Jim Paratore served as executive producers to the show, and the on-air cast originally included Teresa Strasser, John Fugelsang, Ben Mankiewicz and Michael Hundgen.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/blink/2007/08/talent_lineup_unveiled_for_tel.php |title=Talent Lineup Unveiled for Telepictures' 'TMZ' |first=Chris |last=Pursell |website=TVWeek.com |date=August 12, 2007 |access-date=November 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619161802/http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/blink/2007/08/talent_lineup_unveiled_for_tel.php |archive-date=June 19, 2009 }} David Bianculli of The New York Daily News strongly criticized the television show, its topics, and what he sees as its reporters' tactics and lack of professionalism.

=''Dax Chat''=

Dax Chat is a live chat program on Ustream hosted by TMZ clip clearance producer Dax Holt. In the broadcasts, Holt talks to "Chizzlers" about celebrity gossip and articles that have been posted on the TMZ website.{{cite web|url=http://www.ustream.tv/tmzdaxchat|title=Dax Chat, Ustream.TV: Chat here live with Dax Holt from TMZ Monday-Friday at 1pm PST/4pm ET. Overig amusement|website=Ustream.tv|access-date=January 25, 2013|archive-date=January 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123154533/http://www.ustream.tv/tmzdaxchat|url-status=live}}

=''TMZ Sports''=

As early as 2009, Levin was rumored to be interested in creating a TMZ branded sports site.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaite.com/online/tmz-to-launch-all-sports-site-not-because-of-tiger/|title=TMZ To Launch All-Sports Site (Not Just Because Of Tiger)|work=Mediaite|date=December 22, 2009|access-date=March 29, 2017|first=Glenn|last=Davis|archive-date=August 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806202405/https://www.mediaite.com/online/tmz-to-launch-all-sports-site-not-because-of-tiger/|url-status=live}} The site was initially expected to launch in March 2010 but those plans did not see fruition.{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/5458770/tmz-sports-to-reveal-itself-come-springtime|title=TMZ Sports To Reveal Itself Come Springtime|work=Deadspin|publisher=Gawker Media|date=January 28, 2010|access-date=March 29, 2017|first=A.J.|last=Daulerio|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330002812/http://deadspin.com/5458770/tmz-sports-to-reveal-itself-come-springtime|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/5780187/tmz-sports-is-dead-long-live-tmz-sports|title=TMZ Sports Is Dead, Long Live TMZ Sports|work=Deadspin|publisher=Gawker Media|date=March 9, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2017|first=Jack|last=Dickley|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329232932/http://deadspin.com/5780187/tmz-sports-is-dead-long-live-tmz-sports|url-status=live}} It eventually launched as a branded section on the main TMZ website in June 2013.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/tmz-hollywood-sports-series-reelz-primetime-835867/|title='TMZ Hollywood Sports' To Anchor Reelz Primetime|website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=September 17, 2014|access-date=March 29, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330000253/http://deadline.com/2014/09/tmz-hollywood-sports-series-reelz-primetime-835867/|url-status=live}} Premiere Networks launched a daily TMZ Sports radio show in October 2013.{{cite web|url=http://mediaconfidential.blogspot.ca/2013/10/premiere-launches-tmz-sports-show.html|title=Premiere Launches TMZ Sports Radio Show|date=October 30, 2013|access-date=March 3, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330012147/http://mediaconfidential.blogspot.ca/2013/10/premiere-launches-tmz-sports-show.html|url-status=live}} A television show began testmarketing on select regional Fox stations in January 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YgPchdqR6Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/5YgPchdqR6Y |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=TMZ Sports Is Now On TV!|date=January 13, 2014|access-date=March 29, 2017|work=TMZ}}{{cbignore}} It then aired during the 2014/2015 seasons on Reelz under name TMZ Hollywood Sports. On November 9, 2015, the series reverted to being known as TMZ Sports and moved to Fox Sports 1.{{cite web|first=Kate|last=Stanhope|title='TMZ Sports' News Show to Launch on Fox Sports|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tmz-sports-news-show-launch-836096|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=March 29, 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330005028/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tmz-sports-news-show-launch-836096|url-status=live}} TMZ Sports is co-hosted by TMZ Sports Executive Producer Michael Babcock, WNBA player Renee Montgomery, and former WWE Superstar and NFL player, Mojo Muhtadi.

=''TMZ France''=

TMZ France was created on December 18, 2012.{{cn|date=October 2022}}

Criticism

Since the launch of TMZ, the website has faced criticism, varying from attempted boycotts to criticism of its journalistic tactics and of its focus. It has been criticized for its usage of photographs and videos obtained from paparazzi. Some have questioned the effect that aggressive and obtrusive photographers have on the subjects they cover. Many of the videos on the site show, in the footage, that their paparazzi chase people (mainly celebrities)—a practice that has been called dangerous and "creepy".{{cite web|url=http://cornellsun.com/node/24490 |title=I want my TMZ |work=CornellSun.com |date=September 16, 2007 |first=Tony |last=Manfred |access-date=November 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008222235/http://cornellsun.com/node/24490 |archive-date=October 8, 2007 }} Over the years, some have called for a boycott of TMZ and of the accompanying show.{{cite web|last=Nguyen|first=Katherine|title=On Paparazzi Patrol With TMZ.com|url=http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/homepage/article_1549705.php|date=January 21, 2007|work=The Orange County Register|access-date=December 2, 2009|archive-date=June 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615142459/http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/homepage/article_1549705.php|url-status=live}}

TMZ has also faced internal criticism due to Harvey Levin's emerging support for Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2016 United States presidential election.{{cite news |last=Cartwright |first=Lachlan |date=14 July 2019 |title=TMZ Goes MAGA: How Harvey Levin's Gossip Empire Became Trump's Best Friend |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/tmz-goes-maga-how-harvey-levins-gossip-empire-became-trumps-best-friend |work=The Daily Beast |access-date=8 October 2020 |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928211659/https://www.thedailybeast.com/tmz-goes-maga-how-harvey-levins-gossip-empire-became-trumps-best-friend |url-status=live }} By 2020, dozens of former TMZ employees had spoken to the media about a racist and misogynistic workplace culture which TMZ's internal leadership was unwilling to change.{{cite news |last=Yandoli |first=Krystie Lee |date=8 September 2020 |title=TMZ's Newsroom Is A Hotbed For Racism, Misogyny, And Verbal Abuse, Ex-Employees Say |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/krystieyandoli/tmz-employees-alllegations |work=BuzzFeed News |access-date=8 October 2020 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003171147/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/krystieyandoli/tmz-employees-alllegations |url-status=live }}

= Reporting of suicide details =

After Linkin Park lead vocalist Chester Bennington died by suicide in July 2017, TMZ reported in December 2017 that Bennington had attempted to drown himself nine months before his death; this information had been redacted from the Los Angeles County Coroner's report following a request from a lawyer representing Bennington's widow, Talinda. Talinda responded with criticism of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office for disclosing the information to TMZ as well as TMZ itself, concluding a Twitter tirade with the hashtag "#FuckyouTMZ".{{cite web|title=CHESTER BENNINGTON's Widow Blasts Coroner, TMZ For 'Dramatizing' And 'Sensationalizing' Previous Suicide Attempt|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chester-benningtons-widow-blasts-coroner-tmz-for-dramatizing-and-sensationalizing-previous-suicide-attempt/|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620153220/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/chester-benningtons-widow-blasts-coroner-tmz-for-dramatizing-and-sensationalizing-previous-suicide-attempt/|url-status=live}}

In May 2018, TMZ reported intimate details of the suicide of Swedish DJ Avicii, who had died that April, with the headline "Avicii's suicide caused by self-inflicted cuts from glass".{{cite web|author=Alison Millington|date=May 1, 2018|title=Avicii took his own life by cutting himself, according to a graphic report by TMZ|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/avicii-reportedly-killed-himself-with-broken-glass-2018-5|work=Business Insider|access-date=November 15, 2021|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412000016/https://www.businessinsider.com/avicii-reportedly-killed-himself-with-broken-glass-2018-5|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=1 May 2018|title=Avicii's Suicide Caused by Self-Inflicted Cuts from Glass|url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/05/01/avicii-dj-suicide-glass-cut-bottle-death/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-15|website=TMZ|language=en|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130100603/http://www.tmz.com/2018/05/01/avicii-dj-suicide-glass-cut-bottle-death/}} Jennifer Michael Hecht, writing for Vox, criticized TMZ's reporting as being sensationalist and going against the CDC's recommended guidelines for reporting suicides, which include not mentioning the method of suicide.{{Cite web|last=Hecht|first=Jennifer Michael|date=2018-05-05|title=How the media covers celebrity suicides can have life-or-death consequences|url=https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/5/5/17319632/anthony-bourdain-kate-spade-cause-of-death-suicide-celebrities-reporting|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-25|website=Vox|language=en|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227003304/https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/5/5/17319632/anthony-bourdain-kate-spade-cause-of-death-suicide-celebrities-reporting}} Talinda Bennington also reacted unfavorably, urging people to "[not] click on the TMZ article or any other about the private details of Avicii’s passing", adding "This is how [we] can stop [filthy TMZ]."{{cite news|last1=Trendell|first1=Andrew|title=Chester Bennington's widow hits out at TMZ for reporting details of Avicii's death|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/chester-benningtons-widow-hits-tmz-reporting-details-aviciis-death-suicide-2307567|access-date=May 14, 2018|agency=NME|date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=May 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514065252/http://www.nme.com/news/music/chester-benningtons-widow-hits-tmz-reporting-details-aviciis-death-suicide-2307567|url-status=live}}

= Stolen Indiana Jones items =

TMZ faced strong criticism for purchasing stolen items pertaining to the fourth Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. On October 2, 2007, IESB reported that a number of production photos and sensitive documents pertaining to the production budget had been stolen from Steven Spielberg's production office.{{cite web|url=http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3390&Itemid=99|title=Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stolen Set Photos!|date=October 2, 2009|website=IESB.com|access-date=November 28, 2009|archive-date=February 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211054532/http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3390&Itemid=99|url-status=live}}

Movie City News, which strongly criticized TMZ for purchasing stolen items, remarked that the then-new website "wasn't getting off to a good start". According to IESB, TMZ had obtained some of the stolen property and was planning on running a story about the topic on their TV show, until the lawyers of the film's production company, Paramount Pictures, intervened. Shortly after IESB broke the story, TMZ broadcast details about the Indiana Jones production budget on their show on October 3, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcnblogs.com/thehotblog/archives/2007/10/when_it_gets_in_1.html |title=When It Gets Interesting |work=Movie City News|date=October 3, 2007 |access-date=November 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227081414/http://www.mcnblogs.com/thehotblog/archives/2007/10/when_it_gets_in_1.html |archive-date=February 27, 2009 }}{{cite web|website=Mcn.com |date=October 4, 2007 |title=Why Won't They Tell The Indy IV Theft Story Accurately? |url=http://www.mcnblogs.com/thehotblog/archives/2007/10/why_wont_they_t.html |access-date=November 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227074616/http://www.mcnblogs.com/thehotblog/archives/2007/10/why_wont_they_t.html |archive-date=February 27, 2009 }}

= Story-gathering tactics =

Tony Manfred of The Cornell Daily Sun criticized TMZ in a September 2007 article entitled "I Want My TMZ", describing TMZ as being "a fusion of celebrity news blog and embarrassing video archive" and stating that he felt that the website had become "the poster child for the celebrity pseudo-news industry" and that the website has "distinct advantages" over "gossip magazines" because it can "show all the borderline pornographic clips that Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood can't."

Jennifer Metz and David Muir of ABC News acknowledged that TMZ has long been criticized for their "aggressive tactics, antagonizing stars with video cameras" and noted that those "encounters, capturing at times violent celebrity confrontations with photographers, receive hundreds of hits online, and critics ask if entertainment reporters are crossing the line." Metz and Muir questioned whether TMZ's tactics "go too far".{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=7946859&page=1|first1=Jennifer|last1=Metz|first2=David|last2=Muir|date=June 27, 2009|title=TMZ Ahead of the Curve, but Do Tactics Go Too Far?|website=ABC News|access-date=December 2, 2009|archive-date=October 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026224236/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=7946859&page=1|url-status=live}}

Ken Sunshine, publicist for Ben Affleck and Leonardo DiCaprio, stated that his clients disliked the website because it has a tendency to be negative towards celebrities when reporting on them. "I hate that they have anything to do with trying to put celebrities into the worst light possible and that they play the 'gotcha' game".{{cite news|title=Handed a 'smoking gun', TMZ's Levin ran with it|first=Donna|last=Freydkin|work=USA Today|date=August 1, 2006|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-07-31-gibson-tmz_x.htm|access-date=November 25, 2009|archive-date=February 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227081843/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-07-31-gibson-tmz_x.htm|url-status=live}} A student newspaper criticized TMZ for having a personality cult of figures such as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton—celebrities who are known more as targets for paparazzi than for the work they do. In defense for TMZ's coverage, Levin said that certain celebrities are main subjects on the website because of their "relevancy" and because their relevancy helps draw viewership to the website.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/tmzlive?autoplay=true&mediaKey=6b2ea4bc-5d5b-4f38-8189-f28499088e2b|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091129120432/http://www.tmz.com/tmzlive?autoplay=true&mediaKey=6b2ea4bc-5d5b-4f38-8189-f28499088e2b|archive-date=November 29, 2009|website=TMZ|title=TMZ Live - 11/25/09 Part 3|date=November 25, 2009|access-date=November 25, 2009|url-status=dead}} Liz Kelly of Washington Post attacked both Levin and TMZ in an article, stating: "I know this is like spitting in the wind, but I have to say it: Harvey Levin, please stop it."

= Murder of Andre Lowe =

On January 13, 2013, Andre Lowe was killed outside of a nightclub in Hollywood. A nearby reporter from TMZ filmed the attack and it was posted to the website without permission of the family.{{cite news |first=Josh |last=Halliday |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jan/17/tmz-video-murder-condemned-victims-family |title=TMZ video of murder condemned by victim's family |work=The Guardian |date=January 17, 2013 |access-date=January 25, 2013 |location=London |archive-date=March 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304005927/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jan/17/tmz-video-murder-condemned-victims-family |url-status=live }} On January 22, 2013, TMZ took down the video after over two dozen advertisers revoked ads for the website.{{cite news |first=Anna |last=Almendrala |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/tmz-andre-lowe-petition_n_2535065.html |title=TMZ Graphic Footage Of Andre Lowe's Death Edited In Response To Change.org Petition From Family |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=January 25, 2013 |date=January 23, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126131919/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/tmz-andre-lowe-petition_n_2535065.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Josh |last=Halliday |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jan/25/tmz-takes-down-murder-footage |title=TMZ takes down footage of Andre Lowe shooting following complaints |work=The Guardian |access-date=January 25, 2013 |location=London |date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304004154/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jan/25/tmz-takes-down-murder-footage |url-status=live }}

= Death of Kobe Bryant =

At 11:24 a.m. Pacific Time on January 26, 2020, TMZ reported on the death of basketball player Kobe Bryant,{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-dead-helicopter-crash-in-calabasas/|title=Kobe Bryant & Daughter Die in Helicopter Crash, Photos from Her Last Game|website=TMZ|language=en|access-date=2020-01-27|archive-date=January 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126195700/https://www.tmz.com/2020/01/26/kobe-bryant-killed-dead-helicopter-crash-in-calabasas/|url-status=live}} being the first news outlet to do so.{{Cite news|last=Tracy|first=Marc|date=2020-01-27|title=In Haste to Confirm Kobe Bryant News, News Media Stumbles|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/business/tmz-kobe.html|access-date=2020-08-27|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128100045/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/business/tmz-kobe.html|url-status=live}} TMZ received strong criticism, notably from Sheriff Alex Villanueva of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, for reporting on the story before the next of kin had been notified as well as leaking photos of the crash site.{{Cite web|last=Darcy|first=Oliver|date=January 27, 2020|title=Police scold TMZ after outlet was first to report death of Kobe Bryant|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/media/tmz-death-report-kobe-bryant/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2020-01-27|website=CNN|archive-date=January 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127140446/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/26/media/tmz-death-report-kobe-bryant/index.html}}

= Johnny Depp Vs. Amber Heard =

During the defamation trial against actress Amber Heard, TMZ was a point of discussion and raised much criticism. Lawyer Camille Vasquez confronted Ms. Heard, claiming Heard gave a video of Depp being agitated and slamming cupboards to TMZ a day before the temporary restraining order (TRO) was filed. Vasquez also pointed out that TMZ had been alerted of the alleged abuse and the upcoming divorce in 2016, where Ms. Heard in her deposition mentioned that TMZ had been alerted. On May 24, 2022, TMZ, through EHM Productions Inc, filed an Emergency Motion{{cite web|url=https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/sites/circuit/files/assets/documents/pdf/high-profile/depp%20v%20heard/cl-2019-2911-emergency-intervene-ehm-prod-5-24-2022.pdf|title=Emergency Motion to Intervene by EHM Productions, Inc for Limited Purpose of Asserting Journalist's Privilege|website=Fairfax County Circuit Court|date=May 24, 2022|access-date=May 24, 2022|archive-date=May 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524205536/https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/sites/circuit/files/assets/documents/pdf/high-profile/depp%20v%20heard/cl-2019-2911-emergency-intervene-ehm-prod-5-24-2022.pdf|url-status=live}} to prevent a former employee from testifying in the Depp-Heard case. The motion was denied.

=Death of Liam Payne=

On October 16, 2024, after the death of British singer and former One Direction member Liam Payne, TMZ garnered controversy after posting pictures of his identifying tattoos of his dead body as well as the scene of the hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This sparked outrage on social media, including from Canadian singer Alessia Cara and British media personality Rylan Clark. The photos were later taken down after the backlash.{{Cite web |last=Abramovitch |first=Seth |date=2024-10-16 |title=TMZ Posts, Then Removes, Liam Payne Death Photos After Backlash |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/tmz-liam-payne-death-photos-breaking-taboos-drawing-condemnation-1236033681/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

=False news=

== John F. Kennedy ==

In what The Smoking Gun called "a colossal screw-up", in 2009 TMZ published an "exclusive" picture on their website of a man purported to be John F. Kennedy on a ship with several naked women that could have "changed history" had it come out during his presidential campaign.{{cite web|website=TMZ|url=https://www.tmz.com/2009/12/28/president-john-f-kennedy-photograph-jfk-photo-boat-yatch-nude-naked-women-mediterranean-sea-jackie-kennedy-ted-kennedy-senator-george-smathers-election|title=The JFK Photo That Could Have Changed History|date=December 28, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231025138/http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/28/president-john-f-kennedy-photograph-jfk-photo-boat-yatch-nude-naked-women-mediterranean-sea-jackie-kennedy-ted-kennedy-senator-george-smathers-election|archive-date=December 31, 2009|url-status=dead}} Despite having a Photoshop expert proclaiming the picture as "authentic", the picture was later discovered to have not been of Kennedy at all. The photo was discovered to have been part of a Playboy photoshoot from November 1967, which was later confirmed by Playboy representatives.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/tmz-falls-jfk-photo-hoax|title=TMZ falls for JFK Photo Hoax|work=The Smoking Gun|date=December 28, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2009|archive-date=August 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831045306/http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/tmz-falls-jfk-photo-hoax|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2009/12/28/john-f-kennedy-playboy-photo-boat-nude-women|website=TMZ|title=Kennedy Picture -- A Fake?|date=December 28, 2009|access-date=December 28, 2009|archive-date=December 31, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231025118/http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/28/john-f-kennedy-playboy-photo-boat-nude-women|url-status=live}}

== Lil Wayne ==

On March 15, 2013, members of TMZ's staff claimed that they had learned rapper Lil Wayne was in an "unstable" condition after he was hospitalized following a seizure and that the then 30-year-old rapper had been placed in an induced coma and was breathing through tubes.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-seizures-hospitalized-drugs-sizzurp-critical-condition-icu/#ixzz3Cl6uohFV|title=Lil' Wayne in Critical Condition After Suffering More Seizures|date=March 15, 2013|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614075135/https://www.tmz.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-seizures-hospitalized-drugs-sizzurp-critical-condition-icu/#ixzz3Cl6uohFV|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://gawker.com/5990888/tmz-reports-lil-wayne-is-on-his-death-bed-friends-say-wayne-is-alive-and-well |title=TMZ Reports Lil Wayne Is on His Death Bed; Friends Say Wayne is 'Alive and Well' (UPDATE) |first=Cord |last=Johnson |website=Gawker.com |date=March 15, 2013 |access-date=September 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909004849/http://gawker.com/5990888/tmz-reports-lil-wayne-is-on-his-death-bed-friends-say-wayne-is-alive-and-well |archive-date=September 9, 2014 }} Soon afterwards, Birdman stated on his Twitter account that Wayne was healthy enough to be released from the hospital. Approximately one hour after these messages were made, Wayne himself stated on his Twitter account that he was fine.

== Jerry Lee Lewis ==

On October 26, 2022, TMZ incorrectly reported that rock n' roll pioneer and country music legend Jerry Lee Lewis had died; they issued a correction a few hours later.{{cite web | url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/10/26/jerry-lee-lewis-not-dead/ | title=Jerry Lee Lewis Not Dead, Alive in Memphis | date=October 26, 2022 | access-date=October 26, 2022 | archive-date=November 8, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108115010/https://www.tmz.com/2022/10/26/jerry-lee-lewis-not-dead/ | url-status=live }} A CBS affiliate in Sacramento also reported the false news.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/report-infamous-rock-and-roll-star-jerry-lee-lewis-dies-at-87/ | title=Jerry Lee Lewis is alive, despite reports of his death | website=CBS News | access-date=October 26, 2022 | archive-date=October 26, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026231643/https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/report-infamous-rock-and-roll-star-jerry-lee-lewis-dies-at-87/ | url-status=live }} Lewis' death was announced two days later.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63433999 | title=Notorious singer Jerry Lee Lewis dies aged 87 | work=BBC News | date=October 28, 2022 | access-date=October 28, 2022 | archive-date=October 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028181020/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63433999 | url-status=live }}

==Beyoncé at DNC==

On August 22, 2024, TMZ incorrectly reported that Beyoncé would make a surprise appearance on the final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The report was widely shared. Later that night, a representative for Beyoncé said the singer was never scheduled to be at the DNC and that the report was false.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/beyonce-not-attending-2024-dnc-1235982694/ Rep: Beyoncé Is Not Performing at DNC; “Was Never Scheduled” to Attend (Exclusive)] After the convention, TMZ acknowledged "we got this one wrong" and was widely mocked on social media.[https://nypost.com/2024/08/23/us-news/tmz-admits-it-falsely-reported-beyonces-appearance-at-dnc-we-got-this-one-wrong/ TMZ admits it falsely reported Beyoncé’s appearance at DNC: ‘We got this one wrong’][https://www.thewrap.com/tmz-roasted-after-beyonce-doesnt-appear-at-dnc/ TMZ Roasted for False Beyoncé DNC Report: ‘A Total Failure of American Intelligence’]