What Happened to TMZ?
TMZ is an American entertainment-focused tabloid news organization renowned for breaking celebrity news and gossip. Founded in 2005 by Harvey Levin and Jim Paratore, it quickly rose to prominence for its aggressive journalistic tactics and exclusive scoops. In September 2021, TMZ and all its media properties were acquired by Fox Entertainment, under which it continues to operate its digital platforms and syndicated television shows, including "TMZ" and "TMZ Live", as of March 2026.
Quick Answer
TMZ, the celebrity news and gossip outlet, is currently owned and operated by Fox Entertainment, which acquired it from WarnerMedia in September 2021. Founder Harvey Levin remains the managing editor, overseeing its digital platforms (TMZ.com, TooFab.com) and syndicated television programs like "TMZ" and "TMZ Live." As of March 2026, TMZ continues to be an active and prominent source of entertainment news, regularly breaking stories and engaging with its audience through live streams and various shows, though it has also faced recent controversies regarding its reporting practices.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
TMZ.com Launches
TMZ.com, a celebrity news website, is launched as a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures, a division of Warner Bros., co-founded by Harvey Levin and Jim Paratore.
Breaks Major Stories
TMZ gains significant notoriety by exclusively breaking high-profile stories, including Mel Gibson's DUI arrest and subsequent anti-Semitic remarks, and Michael Richards' racist tirade at the Laugh Factory.
TMZ on TV Debuts
The syndicated television program 'TMZ on TV' is launched, expanding the brand's reach to broadcast media.
Co-founder Jim Paratore Dies
Jim Paratore, co-founder of TMZ and a key figure in its early development, passes away from a heart attack.
TMZ Sports Website Launches
TMZ expands its coverage with the launch of a dedicated sports news website, TMZ Sports.
TMZ Sports TV Show Moves to FS1
The 'TMZ Sports' television series moves to Fox Sports 1 (FS1), solidifying its presence in sports entertainment.
Acquired by Fox Entertainment
Fox Entertainment acquires TMZ and all its media properties, including TMZ.com, TooFab.com, 'TMZ,' 'TMZ Live,' and 'TMZ Sports,' from WarnerMedia for a reported sum of less than $50 million. Harvey Levin remains managing editor.
Incorrect Beyoncé DNC Report
TMZ incorrectly reports that Beyoncé would appear on the final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, leading to widespread sharing and subsequent mockery when the report was proven false.
Controversy Over Liam Payne Death Photos
TMZ draws significant controversy and social media outrage for posting pictures of identifying tattoos on the deceased body of English singer Liam Payne, as well as the scene of his death. The photos are later removed due to backlash.
Reports on Shannen Doherty Estate Dispute
TMZ reports on the ongoing legal battle between Shannen Doherty's estate and her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, regarding a $1.5 million Texas home and other assets.
TMZ Investigates Ratings Reported
Ratings for 'TMZ Investigates' on FOX show an audience of 1,279,000 people, indicating continued viewership for its special programming.
Reports Shannen Doherty Estate Deal
TMZ reports that Shannen Doherty's estate and her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko, have reached a deal to resolve their dispute over a $1 million Texas mansion and other assets.
Reports on King Combs Attempted Burglary
TMZ breaks the news of an attempted burglary at the Los Angeles home of Diddy's son, Christian 'King' Combs, with police responding to the scene.
Continues Live Streaming and Breaking News
TMZ Live continues its daily live stream from its newsroom, engaging with viewers and discussing current events. On the same day, TMZ reports on a six-figure judgment against Denise Richards' ex-husband and an arrest in a brutal dog assault case.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
TMZ, an acronym for 'Thirty-Mile Zone,' debuted on November 8, 2005, as a collaboration between AOL and Telepictures, a division of Warner Bros.. Co-founded by lawyer-turned-journalist Harvey Levin and the late Jim Paratore, the platform quickly distinguished itself by breaking major entertainment stories, often ahead of traditional media outlets. Early exclusives included Mel Gibson's DUI arrest in 2006 and Michael Richards' controversial incident, establishing TMZ's reputation for aggressive, often paparazzi-driven, reporting.
Over the years, TMZ expanded its footprint beyond its flagship website, launching syndicated television programs like "TMZ on TV" (2007) and "TMZ Live" (2012), as well as a dedicated sports division, TMZ Sports, in 2013. Its direct approach to celebrity news, often involving street interviews and rapid dissemination of information, revolutionized entertainment journalism, making it one of the most-cited sources in the industry.
A significant turning point for TMZ occurred on September 13, 2021, when Fox Entertainment acquired all TMZ-branded linear, digital, and experiential assets from WarnerMedia for a reported sum of less than $50 million. This acquisition was part of WarnerMedia's parent company AT&T's strategy to shed assets and focus on 5G investments. Under Fox, Harvey Levin continued in his role as founder and managing editor, reporting to Fox Entertainment's President of Alternative Entertainment and Specials. The deal allowed Fox to further integrate TMZ's content across its station group, its ad-supported streamer Tubi, and other Fox-owned platforms.
In recent years, TMZ has continued its operations, albeit with ongoing scrutiny regarding its journalistic ethics. In August 2024, TMZ faced widespread mockery for incorrectly reporting that Beyoncé would appear at the Democratic National Convention. Later that year, in October 2024, the organization drew significant backlash for publishing graphic photos of identifying tattoos on the deceased body of singer Liam Payne, which were later removed due to public outcry.
As of March 27, 2026, TMZ remains an active and integral part of Fox Entertainment's portfolio. Its website, TMZ.com, continues to publish daily celebrity news, and its television shows, "TMZ" and "TMZ Live," are regularly broadcast and streamed, with "TMZ Live" offering a daily live stream from its newsroom. The platform continues to break stories, such as the March 2026 reports on Denise Richards' ex-husband's legal judgment, an attempted burglary at King Combs' house, and ongoing celebrity disputes. TMZ Investigates and TMZ Presents also air on FOX, with recent ratings reported in early 2026. The company's estimated annual revenue is around $170.7 million, with its website receiving over 43 million visits in February 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if TMZ made different choices?