After the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, TMZ faced heavy criticism for laughter and applause heard during their live coverage of the event. The disturbing sounds, picked up on the livestream shortly before the announcement of Kirk’s death, sparked outrage across social media.
The incident occurred as hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere reported the news that Kirk had been fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Viewers were shocked when unrelated laughter and clapping from other parts of the newsroom could be heard in the background.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer was one of the loudest critics, calling the behavior “disgusting” and “shameful,” emphasizing that Kirk was a husband, father, and influential figure who did not deserve such disrespect.
TMZ promptly responded with an apology and explanation, clarifying that the laughter was unrelated to Kirk’s death. It was caused by employees watching a car chase on another screen in a different part of the building. Executive producers assured audiences that no one would keep their jobs for laughing at the tragedy.
Despite the explanation, TMZ acknowledged the timing was “tone deaf” and apologized for any hurt caused. The episode highlights the heightened sensitivities around media coverage of public tragedies and the importance of compassion in reporting.
