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TMZ Chief May Sue After Cops Pull Phone Records

Invasion 'breaks federal law, breaks state law,' Levin says

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 20, 2009 12:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – Not so fun being on the other side: TMZ founder Harvey Levin is promising legal action after learning that Los Angeles cops went through his phone records during a leak investigation related to Mel Gibson’s 2007 DUI. TMZ broke the original story. Though the Sheriff’s Department says it obtained a court order for the search, Levin isn’t backing down, notes the LA Times. “This is not going to go away,” he said in a speech.

“It breaks federal law, it breaks state law,” Levin said before referencing Chinatown and freedom of press. “We've met with lawyers and are charting our course of action.” A media attorney concurs. “Most law enforcement agencies know it’s illegal,” she says. “Or have a hard time getting a judge signing off on it.”

TMZ Executive Producers Harvey Levin, right, and Jim Paratore.
"TMZ" Executive Producers Harvey Levin, right, and Jim Paratore.   (AP Photo)
Mel Gibson.
Mel Gibson.   (AP Photo)
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It breaks federal law, it breaks state law. This is like Chinatown. It's disgusting they would do something like this. How do you protect sources? It goes to the core of freedom of the press. - Harvey Levin, TMZ

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
youngblood
Oct 22, 2009 4:16 AM CDT
WHATEVER Bewilderbeast!
youngblood
Oct 21, 2009 12:15 PM CDT
That's true Jayster, All in good sport!
bewilderbeast
Oct 21, 2009 9:38 AM CDT
Aspiring to become a celeb, youngblood? Here's how: Do ANYTHING to attract attention (ANYTHING. Even videotape yourself shafting some airhead skank, then post it on the 'net). Then complain about the people who write about you and take pictures of you. (Your description of Levin fits many of his subjects, BTW).

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