Van Lathan was fired from TMZ in 2019 after a disagreement with a colleague.
Van Lathan, a prominent figure on the celebrity news site TMZ, became well-known for his on-air confrontations and commentary. In 2019, he was terminated following an incident involving a dispute with fellow staffer Michael Babcock. The altercation, which was not aired, reportedly escalated to a point where Lathan allegedly threatened Babcock, leading to Lathan’s dismissal. This event was significant as Lathan had gained popularity, particularly after a viral moment in 2018 when he confronted Kanye West over his comments about slavery. His departure from TMZ was a topic of discussion, particularly within the context of workplace conduct and the handling of internal disputes.