2009 cannot be overstated. TMZ was the first to report that the King of Pop had been rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest, and our coverage of the events that followed — from his subsequent passing to the aftermath of his death — set a new standard for celebrity news reporting. From the moment the news broke, the world was transfixed by the tragedy, and TMZ was there to provide unparalleled coverage every step of the way.
Whitney Houston (2012) When news of Whitney Houston’s untimely death at the age of 48 hit the airwaves, it was TMZ that first revealed the shocking details. Houston had been found unresponsive in a hotel bathtub, setting off a flurry of speculation and scrutiny that continued long after her passing. As with Michael Jackson’s death, TMZ was at the forefront of covering every aspect of the story, from her funeral to the aftermath of her passing.
Prince (2016) When Prince tragically passed away, TMZ once again led the way with breaking the news of his death. The iconic musician’s sudden and unexpected passing sent shockwaves throughout the world, and TMZ was there to document the outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow artists alike. As one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in music history, Prince’s death was a profound loss for the entertainment world, and TMZ’s coverage honored his legacy.
Kobe Bryant (2020) The world was stunned by the tragic news of basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash. Once again, it was TMZ that first reported the news, and our coverage of the aftermath of the accident provided a comprehensive look at the impact of Bryant’s passing on fans, friends, and the entire sports community. TMZ chronicled the tributes, memorials, and ongoing legacy of one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Chadwick Boseman (2020) The passing of “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman at the age of 43 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, and once again, it was TMZ that first reported the news. Boseman’s sudden death, after a private battle with colon cancer, stunned fans and colleagues alike, and TMZ’s coverage reflected the profound impact of his loss on the world of cinema and beyond.
Naya Rivera (2020) When “Glee” actress Naya Rivera tragically drowned in a boating accident, TMZ was once again at the forefront of breaking the news and providing in-depth coverage of the aftermath. Rivera’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, and TMZ’s reporting shed light on the impact of her passing on her fans, family, and the entertainment industry.
These stories, along with countless others, represent the incredible journey that TMZ has been on over the past 18 years. From groundbreaking reports that shook the entertainment world to in-depth coverage of the lives and legacies of beloved stars, TMZ has remained at the forefront of celebrity news reporting. As we look back on our history and look ahead to the future, we remain dedicated to delivering honest, impactful, and groundbreaking reporting on the world of entertainment and beyond.
