Longtime TMZ staffer Van Lathan has been fired from TMZ after a “nasty confrontation” with his longtime colleague Michael Babcock and now Van is speaking out.
According to Page Six, Van and Michael both appeared on the site’s online show TMZ Live about a week ago where they had “some kind of disagreement.” They also revealed a photo of Van placing his hand around Michael’s neck.
Insiders said Van wouldn’t have been fired if he hadn’t touched Michael.
While their war of words was reportedly edited out, sources claim they were arguing over politics, which has been a hot topic between them for some time. The site reports that both men lean on opposite ends of the political spectrum, with Michael leaning far right.
Sources said that Van confronted Michael after the segment and told him there would be trouble between them if he “ever embarrassed him like that again.”
Van reportedly met with TMZ’s attorneys after the confrontation and was suspended. He was allegedly dismissed days later.
Following his firing, Van took to his social media accounts to reassure his fans that he is just fine.
I’m okay. Promise you guys. Seriously.
— VanLathan (@VanLathan) October 22, 2019
Page Six added that things first got heated in the newsroom between the two men after Van went head to head with Kanye West in 2018 over the rapper’s claims that slavery was “a choice.”
They also had words about the infamous shots of Ellen DeGeneres talking to George W. Bush.
Sources further defended Van following his firing, stressing that it is nothing special when staffers are pitted against one another “for the sake of making good TV.”
“Van’s not mean-spirited,” an insider said. “Anything that happened is a product of that environment.”
Insiders also added that Van, who is one of a few Black TMZ staffers, was “a huge part” of the site’s success of the past few years and they were “stunned” to learn of his firing over this incident.
One thing for sure, Van has a lot of support from many fans saying that he is the main reason why they watch TMZ show. It’ll be interesting to see his next career move. We will definitely be looking forward to seeing him soar from here on out.
