Gossip-driven publication TMZ is catching big heat. A new petition is making its rounds online going directly at the popular site overs its insensitive coverage of black families – notably the recent deaths of rap star Pop Smoke and NBA icon Kobe Bryant.
Big Facts: The petition encourages people to sign and pressure advertisers to drop TMZ until a new policy is created centered on its insensitivities toward deceased celebs’ family members.
Dear TMZ founder Harvey Levin,
As the nation’s largest online racial justice organization with 1.7 million members, we are calling on you to change your policy on reporting deaths and issue a public apology for the cruel and irresponsible reporting on the crash that took the life of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other passengers. No one should learn that a family member has died from a news story. In an effort to be first, your company has proven that driving website views and engagement on the back of Black tragedy is more important that adhering to the ethical rules of journalistic integrity. We are demanding that you issue an apology to the Bryant family and the additional families of those affected by this tragedy, and that you change your policy and process for reporting on deaths to ensure that families have been notified before sharing with the rest of the world. (Color of Change)
High-Key Details: In addition to Pop Smoke, TMZ has past instances of rushing coverage and reportedly going against late celebrity family members’ wishes.
Celebrity gossip website TMZ has built a company based on gossip, and reaped the benefits of Black trauma, while blurring the lines between factual journalism and knee-jerk click bait. In 2013, after Andre Lowe was murdered the website rushed to post the video of his murder despite his family asking them not to post it. Also in 2013, TMZ made false claims that rapper Lil Wayne was in a coma and on life support. When Whitney Houston died of an overdose in 2012, a TMZ reporter bribed hotel employees into letting him into her room, so he could take photos of the bath tub in which her body was found.. These moments featured Black pain that drove millions to a TMZ website that has approximately 500 million advertising impressions per month, resulting in over 100 million dollars in company value as of 2010. (Color of Change)
Wait, There’s More: According to reports, a shocking Wednesday morning fatal shooting went down at Pop’s home in California.
Pop Smoke, an up and coming rapper, was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what appears to be a home invasion robbery … TMZ has learned. The rapper was at a home in the Hollywood Hills at around 4:30 AM when 2 men wearing hoodies and masks broke into a house … this according to law enforcement sources. We’re told the 2 men fired multiple shots, striking and critically wounding Pop Smoke. The men were seen fleeing on foot. (TMZ)
Before You Go: Police have attempted to nab at least one suspect.
TMZ reports that no suspects have been apprehended or identified. One man was reportedly placed in handcuffs but was released after police determined he was not involved. It’s unclear if Pop Smoke knew the shooters. (Pop Culture)
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