Full Breakdown
TMZ Opens Washington Bureau Amid Media Scrutiny
4/26/2026, 4:20:53 AM
Core Launch: Who, What, When, Where, How
On April 25 2026, three TMZ reporters—Jacob Wasserman, Charlie Cotton, and Jakson Buhaj—opened a TMZ bureau in Washington, D.C., to cover congressional affairs. They promise “factual news to the people,” from legislative bills to lighter anecdotes like “who clogged a House toilet.” The team arrived the week before and has attended a Pentagon briefing.
Team and Mission
Wasserman, a Tulane graduate, has six-and-a-half years covering politics and the Sean Combs trial. Cotton, a former tour guide from Canberra, brings 13 years of celebrity reporting. Buhaj joined after Harvey Levin hired him from an ice-cream shop. They stress a “celebrity-style” approach that seeks “greater transparency” and “informed voters,” with occasional “tongue-in-cheek” moments.
Access, Credentialing, and Early Interactions
The bureau has applied for congressional press credentials and awaits approval. Staffers say “people are coming up to us and they recognize us now,” enabling informal interviews with AOC, Jonathan Jackson, Tim Burchett and Shomari Figures. Senator Lindsey Graham declined to speak.
Official Statements on Reporting Practices
Wasserman said TMZ “conducts ourselves the way that journalists go about reporting on stories, whether it be getting police reports, FOIA requests, searching through court documents.” He called claims that the outlet pays for leads “just complete misinformation.” Harvey Levin, on CNN’s *Inside Politics*, called the expansion a natural brand extension and said the team will “break stories and ask their own brand of questions other reporters might not think to ask.”
Criticism and Perceived Bias
Senator Lindsey Graham declined to speak, reflecting unease about TMZ’s “trolling” reputation. Critics cite Cotton’s past posts calling Graham a “bozo” and praising Chuck Schumer as partisan bias. Accusations that TMZ pays for tips surfaced, but the outlet denies them.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have to say, I didn’t really tweet before I moved here a few days ago, and I was trying to be a little tongue-in-cheek.” — Jacob Wasserman, TMZ DC reporter
- “We’re just kind of going to be who we are, and where are we going next? The Grindr party tonight,” — Harvey Levin, TMZ executive director
- “That’s just complete misinformation.” — Jacob Wasserman, TMZ DC reporter
- “So, yeah, absolutely I can, and I’m also not afraid to express my opinion, either.” — Charlie Cotton, TMZ DC reporter
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The bureau’s credential status remains unverified; sources confirm an application but no official approval. While TMZ denies paying for stories, no independent audit of its finances exists. Whether the team can access formal press briefings versus informal encounters also lacks external verification.
Upcoming Activities
The reporters plan to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a “Grindr party,” and a “Substack party” in the coming days. They also hint at exclusive interviews with more members of Congress, indicating an intent to broaden coverage beyond the initial “dream stories.”
