TMZ faced major backlash for publishing cropped photos of Liam Payne’s body after the One Direction singer reportedly fell to his death from a Buenos Aires hotel roof. The images showed Payne's tattoos and were met with outrage on social media. Rylan Clark, a BBC presenter, called the move “disgraceful,” while singer Alessia Cara tweeted, “You’re gross @TMZ.”
Shortly after the outrage, TMZ removed the photos and updated the story to say they had seen the image, instead of sharing it. TMZ and its founder, Harvey Levin, have not responded to requests for comment.
TMZ has crossed ethical boundaries before, like in 2020 when it reported Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash before the victims' families were informed. This prompted backlash from law enforcement and led to a $29 million settlement over unauthorized crash site photos involving Vanessa Bryant.
Celebrity death photos are rare in mainstream media but not unheard of. In 1994, The Seattle Times controversially published a photo of Kurt Cobain's body. In 1997, paparazzi were blamed for Princess Diana’s fatal crash, leading to an unofficial media blackout—though 48 Hours later aired controversial crash images.
TMZ’s Payne coverage now adds to its list of infamous, questionable reporting practices. Critics argue it’s another case of tabloid journalism crossing the line.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/n...aking-taboos-drawing-condemnation-1236033681/
Shortly after the outrage, TMZ removed the photos and updated the story to say they had seen the image, instead of sharing it. TMZ and its founder, Harvey Levin, have not responded to requests for comment.
TMZ has crossed ethical boundaries before, like in 2020 when it reported Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash before the victims' families were informed. This prompted backlash from law enforcement and led to a $29 million settlement over unauthorized crash site photos involving Vanessa Bryant.
Celebrity death photos are rare in mainstream media but not unheard of. In 1994, The Seattle Times controversially published a photo of Kurt Cobain's body. In 1997, paparazzi were blamed for Princess Diana’s fatal crash, leading to an unofficial media blackout—though 48 Hours later aired controversial crash images.
TMZ’s Payne coverage now adds to its list of infamous, questionable reporting practices. Critics argue it’s another case of tabloid journalism crossing the line.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/n...aking-taboos-drawing-condemnation-1236033681/
