These stars, scoops and specials made the media juggernaut a powerhouse
Over the course of 20 years, TMZ rose to the top of the news game through a massive network of sources, whip-fast investigating and an insatiable appetite for a celebrity scoop. From capturing a Paris Hilton blunder that put the outlet on the map to on-the-scene reporting of Sean “Diddy” Combs, take a close look at the stories that made TMZ.
Paris Hilton Crash
Credit: Courtesy TMZNov. 10, 2005
Two days into its launch, TMZ catches Paris Hilton in the passenger seat of her Bentley as her boyfriend crashes it into a parked truck.
Mel Gibson’s DUI
July 28, 2006
The gossip outlet breaks the story of Mel Gibson’s disorderly DUI arrest and antisemitic remarks, also uncovering that the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department has watered down the initial report.
Michael Richards’ Racist Rant
Credit: Rudolphous via Wikimedia CommonsScroll to continue reading
Nov. 20, 2006
TMZ leads the way in acquiring a video of Michael Richards repeatedly shouting the N-word at hecklers during a Laugh Factory set.
Anna Nicole Smith’s Death
Feb. 11, 2007
Days after the death of Anna Nicole Smith, TMZ reports that her refrigerator contained methadone. It later reveals the prescription was written for Smith under a false name.
Bald Britney Spears
Credit: Courtesy TMZFeb. 17, 2007
Britney Spears returns from a Caribbean rehab facility and after just one day home, shaves her head. TMZ is quick to share images of the pop star’s new look.
Chris Brown Attacks
Feb. 19, 2009
TMZ is the first to obtain and publish photos of a battered Rihanna following her attack at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown.
Michael Jackson’s Death
Credit: Courtesy TMZJune 25, 2009
The tabloid breaks the shocking news that Michael Jackson is dead — just 18 minutes after doctors’ official pronouncement.
TMZ Celebrity Tours
Credit: Courtesy TMZ2011
TMZ launches a tourist excursion that not only visits the stomping grounds of the Hollywood stars but also the locations of the brand’s most famous stories.
Whitney Houston’s Death
Credit: Courtesy TMZFeb. 11, 2012
The day before the Grammy Awards, Whitney Houston’s sudden death shocks the world. TMZ is first to report that she drowned in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton.
Ray Rice’s Knocks Out Fiancée Unconscious
Credit: Courtesy TMZFeb. 19, 2014
TMZ Sports releases video footage of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice dragging his unconscious fiancée from an Atlantic City hotel elevator. On Sept. 8, it releases footage from inside the elevator that shows him punching her. Rice is cut from the team
Donald Sterling’s Racist Call
Credit: Courtesy TMZApril 25, 2014
TMZ releases exclusive audio of then-L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling telling his then-girlfriend, V. Stiviano, to stop associating with Black people, sparking a scandal that forces him to sell the team.
Solange Knowles Attacks Jay-Z
May 12, 2014
After fashion’s biggest night, TMZ runs an explosive post-Met Gala video of Solange Knowles roughing up brother-in-law Jay-Z in an elevator at the Standard Hotel as her sister, Beyoncé, stands idly by.
Prince’s Emergency Landing
Credit: Allen Beaulieu, Warner Bros. RecordsApril 15, 2016
Less than a week before Prince’s tragic death from an accidental fentanyl overdose, TMZ announces the emergency landing of his private plane after he becomes unresponsive. He is briefly hospitalized and sent home. Later, reports confirm he had OD’d.
Kone Bryant’s Death
Jan. 26, 2020
TMZ is first to confirm the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna following a catastrophic helicopter crash in Calabasas.
TMZ Investigates Arrives
Credit: Courtesy TMZApril 13, 2020
TMZ Investigates, a series of TV documentary specials, debuts with a dive into the Tiger King controversy, including Joe Exotic’s murder-for-hire plot and the disappearance of Carole Baskin’s husband. The series runs on platforms including Fox, Tubi, YouTube and Hulu.
TMZ Hip Hop Debuts
April 11, 2022
TMZ launches TMZ Hip Hop in New York, L.A. and Chicago, as well as seven other Fox markets nationwide.
Depp v. Heard
Credit: Courtesy TMZMay 16, 2022
TMZ keeps a close watch on the Depp v. Heard trial, publishing all its bizarre proceedings, including Amber Heard’s testimony about the source of feces in Johnny Depp’s bed.
Kai Cenat Intrigues
Aug. 4, 2023
TMZ ramps up coverage of internet stars such as Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who grabs the tabloid’s attention for inciting chaos at an unpermitted giveaway of PlayStation consoles and gift cards in Union Square Park that requires police response.
Inside the Diddy Trial
Credit: Courtesy TMZMay 9, 2025
United States v. Sean Combs: Inside the Diddy Trial debuts the first of its six episodes on Tubi, with Harvey Levin and other legal experts discussing events at the trial. The July 3 finale features the trial’s verdict.
