TMZ apologizes after laughter heard during live coverage of Charlie Kirk’s death
Network explains background reaction came from employees watching a car chase, not from news of Kirk’s killing
TMZ has issued an apology after laughter and clapping were heard during its live coverage of Charlie Kirk’s death, prompting widespread outrage on social media. The network clarified that the reaction came from staff watching a car chase, not from news of the conservative activist’s killing.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley College in Orem, Utah. Hours later, former President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death.
As TMZ’s Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere announced the news on a livestream, viewers noticed laughter and applause in the background. Many interpreted the reaction as a response to Kirk’s death and quickly criticized the outlet.
One user on X wrote:
“During today’s TMZ livestream, employees were heard cheering, clapping, and celebrating just 30 seconds before announcing Charlie Kirk’s death.”
Others, including conservative commentator Laura Loomer, condemned the incident as “shameful.”
TMZ responds to criticism
In a video statement posted on X, TMZ executive producers Levin and Latibeaudiere apologized and explained the situation.
“When 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,” Levin said.
He added that anyone celebrating Kirk’s death would not remain employed at TMZ. Latibeaudiere acknowledged the timing was “horrible” and said the network regretted how it came across.
Apology published on TMZ’s site
TMZ later released a written statement, reiterating that the background reaction was unrelated to Kirk’s killing.
“The people watching that car chase began laughing and clapping in reaction to what they were seeing, but we want to make it clear … they were not cheering in response to the assassination,” the article read.
The network admitted the timing was “tone deaf” and apologized to viewers.
The backlash against TMZ reflects the sensitivity around coverage of violent events, especially when the subject is a public figure with a large following.
Charlie Kirk, a husband and father, leaves behind grieving loved ones and supporters who continue to mourn his loss.
