TMZ faced backlash after an incident during a livestream where sounds of laughter and cheering occurred while the outlet was reporting on the tragic shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident took place on September 10, 2025, as TMZ was announcing the news of Kirk's assassination, which happened while he was speaking at Utah Valley University.

Harvey Levin, TMZ's founder, and executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere publicly addressed the situation in a video posted the following day. They both apologized for the inappropriate timing of the laughter that was heard in the background. Levin clarified that the laughter and applause came from staff members who were watching a car chase in another part of the newsroom, away from the news desk, and not in reaction to the tragic news of Kirk's death.

In the video, Levin explained, “As we were reporting the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there were some people in the back room away from our news desk who were watching a car chase and they were laughing and they were clapping.” He emphasized that the laughter was not directed toward the tragedy that was unfolding, and he expressed confidence in his staff’s professionalism, denouncing any notion that they would behave insensitively regarding Kirk’s assassination.

Latibeaudiere added his acknowledgment of the poor optics of the situation, stating, "We acknowledge that it was horrible timing and for that we are sorry." He reassured viewers that although the laughter gave the impression of insensitivity, it was purely coincidental, and the timing was unfortunate, leading to a misunderstanding of the context.

TMZ's response followed significant public outcry regarding the incident, particularly given Kirk's prominence as the founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed by a single bullet that struck him in the neck area while he was on stage during his speaking engagement. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed his death, recognizing Kirk's influential role in galvanizing young conservatives during the last election cycle.

In the wake of Kirk's murder, the FBI issued images of a person of interest in the case, while the shooter remained at large. Authorities recovered a high-powered rifle from a nearby wooded area, prompting an extensive search for the suspect. As investigation efforts continued, details of Kirk’s advocacy work and his impact on contemporary conservative politics remained a focal point in media discussions surrounding the tragic event.

Kirk’s assassination added urgency to ongoing discussions about political violence and the safety of public figures in the current political climate. As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for heightened security measures and a renewed focus on the troubling trend of violence linked to political disagreements.