TMZ casts unwanted spotlight on celebrities

There was a time not too long ago when it was taboo to expose the negative aspects of Hollywood. Sure, the Enquirer and other tabloids covered the gossip angle, but most of them were usually dismissed for what they were.

But the game has changed, and nobody can dispute that TMZ, through its TV show and website, has completely altered how celebrities are covered and ultimately perceived these days.

If a singer, actor, director or anybody with a known name is arrested, TMZ is the first to know and report it; if a mug shot is taken, TMZ has it up instantly; if a star is suing somebody or somebody is suing a star, TMZ obtains and posts the actual lawsuit.

Christina Aguilera became the latest star to end up in the news for all the wrong reasons when she was arrested last night for public intoxication in West Hollywood. Not only did she quickly become the lead story on TMZ.com shortly after her arrest, but TMZ was there to stream the press conference with law enforcement officials earlier today.

The real fun, though, takes place on the 30-minute syndicated show that airs daily around the country (check local listings). With TMZ founder Harvey Levin serving as host, the program airs footage of celebrities being caught in rare, unscripted moments. You really never know what they are going to say when they are cornered at the airport, coming out of restaurants or exiting a jail.

These segments were once considered nothing more than paparazzi trying to stir things up, but Levin and his staff have found a way to make it more about entertainment (not to mention that the show is rarely if ever wrong with its reporting). Celebrities often ask camera operators if they are from TMZ, and they even offer occasional shout-outs to Levin himself. The videos are done with a funny voiceover, and the rest of the show’s crew liven things up more with their snarky comments.

All of this makes for great entertainment, both on television and online. And although it does have a sensationalized feel to it, there is also something to be said about seeing celebrities humbled once in a while. Just ask Christina Aguilera about that.