History of TMZ in Timeline

TMZ is a tabloid news outlet focused on celebrities and pop culture. Founded in 2005 as a joint venture between AOL and Telepictures, it was later acquired by Fox Corporation in 2021 for $50 million. Known for its sensationalized reporting and paparazzi-driven content, TMZ has become a prominent source of entertainment news.

November 1967: Playboy Publishes Photoshoot, Later Mistakenly Identified as JFK

In November 1967, Playboy published a photoshoot that would later be mistakenly attributed to John F. Kennedy.

September 2007: TMZ Criticized as "Poster Child for Celebrity Pseudo-News"

In September 2007, Tony Manfred of The Cornell Daily Sun heavily criticized TMZ, labeling it the "poster child for the celebrity pseudo-news industry" in an article.

October 3, 2007: TMZ Reports on "Indiana Jones" Production Budget Amidst Controversy

On October 3, 2007, TMZ broadcasted details about the "Indiana Jones" production budget despite criticism over allegations of purchasing stolen property related to the film.

2009: TMZ Publishes False "JFK" Photo, Issues Correction

In 2009, TMZ published a photo they claimed depicted John F. Kennedy with several nude women, later retracting the story after discovering the image was from a 1967 Playboy photoshoot.

January 16, 2013: TMZ Posts Video of Fatal Nightclub Attack, Sparking Outrage

On January 16, 2013, TMZ came under fire for posting a video of a fatal attack on Andre Lowe outside a Hollywood nightclub, filmed by a reporter without the family's permission.

January 22, 2013: TMZ Removes Controversial Video After Advertiser Boycott

Following a backlash and advertiser boycott, TMZ removed the controversial video of Andre Lowe's attack on January 22, 2013.

March 15, 2013: TMZ's Report on Lil Wayne's Health Disputed

TMZ's report on Lil Wayne's health after a seizure on March 15, 2013, sparked controversy as conflicting reports emerged, with the rapper himself later stating he was fine.

2016: TMZ's Involvement in Depp-Heard Controversy Revealed

During the 2022 defamation trial, it was revealed that TMZ was aware of the alleged abuse and impending divorce between Depp and Heard in 2016.

January 26, 2020: TMZ Faces Backlash for Reporting Kobe Bryant's Death Before Family Notification

TMZ was the first to report the death of Kobe Bryant on January 26, 2020, but faced immense criticism for publishing the news before the family was notified.