Early in the week, reports surfaced that TMZ reporter Van Lathan was dismissed from his position after getting into a verbal dispute with co-worker Michael Babcock over political views.
More details about the incident have been released to the public. It appears that the reason that Lathan was let go was not because of the verbal disagreement, but because the pop culture enthusiast put his hands around Babcock’s neck and it was all captured on camera, according to Page Six.
Sources report that after a taping of TMZ Live, Lathan had walked up to Babcock from behind. Footage captured Lathan grabbing the back of Babcock’s neck and pulling him close to whisper in his ear.
He walks off followed by Babcock. A verbal exchange ensures and other employees turn around to view what’s going on. It was also revealed that the heated war of words was over Ellen DeGeneres sitting next to George Bush Jr. at a football game.
Lathan was suspended for a few days before he was fired.
TMZ, Babcock or Lathan have yet to fully address the incident.
If somebody put they hands on me I want they ass fired I think Tmz did the right thing even though I fw van