TMZ has just reached its 18th birthday, and we are ready to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with you! It’s been quite a journey since our launch in 2005, and we’ve changed a lot since then. However, our commitment to reporting on big news about Hollywood has remained the same over the years.
One of the biggest stories that put TMZ on the map was our coverage of Mel Gibson’s antisemitic DUI tirade in 2006. We obtained the original report detailing the disturbing incident, including Gibson’s vulgar and offensive rant against Jewish people. This story shed light on a side of the actor that shocked the world.
In 2006, TMZ also obtained the first video of Michael Richards’ racist stand-up set, where he repeatedly used the N-word. This incident had a significant impact on his career.
In early 2007, TMZ reported on Britney Spears’ infamous shaved-head umbrella incident, which marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in the pop star’s life.
We also covered Tiger Woods’ first single-vehicle crash in 2009, which came in the midst of a tumultuous year for the golfer due to personal controversies.
In 2014, TMZ obtained audio of former Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist remarks, leading to his ousting from the NBA. We also broke the news of Beyoncé’s sister, Solange, attacking Jay-Z in an elevator at the Met Gala that same year.
Another significant story was the release of a video showing former Ravens star Ray Rice punching his then-fiancée in an elevator, which had major repercussions for his career.
In 2018, TMZ published the first video of Tristan Thompson cheating on Khloe Kardashian, which rocked their relationship.
Kanye West’s controversial statements, including his claim that slavery was a “choice,” were also covered by TMZ in 2018, signaling a shift in his public persona.
In 2019, TMZ was at the forefront of reporting on Jussie Smollett’s hate crime “hoax,” which led to a high-profile legal battle.
In addition to these stories, TMZ has also been the first to report on numerous celebrity deaths over the years, including the shocking passing of Michael Jackson in 2009.
As we reflect on these big moments, we look forward to continuing our legacy of breaking major stories and keeping you informed about the latest in Hollywood and beyond. Here’s to many more years of groundbreaking journalism!