TMZ head Harvey Levin claims ‘Kobe’s people’ gave approval to publish crash story
By
Tamar Lapin
January 28, 2020 | 10:37pm
Harvey LevinGetty Images
Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, said Tuesday the outlet had the OK from “Kobe’s people” to break
news of the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven other people.
Law enforcement authorities had slammed the tabloid news website for publishing the story about Bryant’s death before authorities had notified family members of the victims.
But, in an interview with LA radio station
KNX’s “In-Depth,” Levin defended his site, saying it dealt with the hoops star’s reps and got permission before going to press.
“We dealt with Kobe’s people … and we were told very clearly that she had been notified,” Levin said, appearing to refer to Bryant’s widow, Vanessa.
When asked about the families of the other victims being notified, Levin said, “That is a fair point.”
Levin said he initially got the tip from a longtime law enforcement source and then called reps for the 41-year-old retired Los Angeles Lakers star.
“We were dealing with them for an hour before we published the story and they said, ‘Go for it,'” he said.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva had blasted the outlet during a press conference Sunday when explaining to reporters why he couldn’t confirm the identities of those aboard the downed chopper.
“It would be extremely disrespectful to understand that your loved one perished and you learn about it from TMZ,”
Villanueva said. “That is just wholly inappropriate.”
Asked about the sheriff’s statements, Levin reiterated: “We confirmed it … and they said ‘Go for it’ and they said she knew. So I’m not sure what he’s saying on that.”
“We’re not law enforcement and he’s not a journalist. We do different things,” Levin added.