TMZ has come under fire after a viral clip appeared to show staff members cheering just moments before the outlet reported the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The incident occurred during a live newsroom broadcast covering Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University.
Footage widely shared on TikTok and other platforms captured clapping and laughter in the TMZ newsroom seconds before anchor Harvey Levin delivered the breaking news. The moment sparked outrage online, with critics calling the reaction inappropriate and “tone deaf.”
In response, TMZ addressed the controversy directly through its official TikTok account. Levin explained that the reaction did not relate to Kirk’s death, but instead came from a separate team in the back monitoring a car chase. “They were not laughing about Charlie Kirk’s assassination,” Levin said. “They would not work here if they did.”
Despite the clarification, Levin admitted that the timing created a “terrible impression” during such a sensitive announcement. TMZ acknowledged the reaction looked “tone deaf” and issued an apology to viewers.
Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization he launched in 2012. He was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, leaving behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
The FBI confirmed a suspect had initially been taken into custody but was later released following interrogation. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
The controversy has fueled debate online, with some viewers accepting TMZ’s explanation while others argued that the outlet should have exercised greater care during the broadcast.
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