Epstein Files Mention TMZ Founder Harvey Levin as 'Good Friend' in PR Talks

Emails from 2011 show Jeffrey Epstein's crisis manager Michael Sitrick referred to TMZ founder Harvey Levin as a 'good friend' when discussing media strategy for Sarah Ferguson. This is part of new documents released from the Epstein investigation.
By Newsroom | Celebrity News, Legal |

Newly published documents related to Jeffrey Epstein mention Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, in connection with public relations efforts. Emails indicate discussions about controlling narratives and influencing media coverage, with Levin being referred to as a "good friend" by a crisis manager involved with Epstein.

TMZ Boss Harvey Levin Referenced in Epstein Files as Ally for Damage Control - 1

Context of the Revelations

Recent releases from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files have brought forward a number of documents, including emails. These files have become public as part of ongoing legal processes.

TMZ Boss Harvey Levin Referenced in Epstein Files as Ally for Damage Control - 2

  • Timing of Releases: Some files were initially released late last year, with further tranches becoming available more recently.

  • Key Individuals: The documents involve Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and individuals connected to him, including crisis public relations executives.

  • Content of Emails: The emails discuss strategies for managing public statements and media coverage related to Epstein and his associates.

Evidence of Levin's Mention

Several newly released documents from the Epstein files contain references to Harvey Levin and his potential involvement in public relations strategies.

TMZ Boss Harvey Levin Referenced in Epstein Files as Ally for Damage Control - 3

  • Email from Michael Sitrick: An email from crisis PR executive Michael Sitrick to Jeffrey Epstein reportedly describes Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, as a "good friend." This communication is part of a chain discussing a media strategy.

  • Discussion of Media Strategy: The emails appear to concern how to frame a story, specifically about Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew. Sitrick is quoted as telling Epstein he "tried to call" Levin and suggesting he might be able to get Levin to report on "the Duchess and her backpedaling."

  • TMZ's Potential Role: The context suggests a discussion about influencing TMZ's coverage, with Sitrick noting that the outlet had not yet covered the specific subject matter at the time of the email.

  • Damage Control Focus: The communication indicates an effort to manage public perception, with suggestions for a "shorter n punchier" statement that avoids attacking the press.

The Role of Michael Sitrick

Michael Sitrick, a public relations executive, is frequently mentioned in the documents in relation to Epstein. His firm has a history of representing prominent and sometimes controversial figures.

TMZ Boss Harvey Levin Referenced in Epstein Files as Ally for Damage Control - 4

  • Crisis Management: Sitrick is described as a crisis manager who worked with Epstein on media angles.

  • Clientele: His firm has represented individuals such as Harvey Weinstein and Vince McMahon.

  • Communication with Epstein: Sitrick's emails with Epstein detail attempts to shape narratives and influence media outlets.

TMZ's Operations

TMZ, founded by Harvey Levin, is a prominent celebrity news website known for its direct reporting and often rapid dissemination of information.

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  • Founder's Influence: The emails suggest Sitrick believed he could influence Levin, who "runs TMZ."

  • Coverage Strategy: The discussion about Sarah Ferguson implies an attempt to guide TMZ's editorial direction on a specific story.

Harvey Levin himself has publicly commented on individuals connected to Jeffrey Epstein, including Donald Trump, suggesting a focus on the broader scandal and its impact.

  • Trump and Epstein: Levin has discussed Donald Trump's legacy in relation to his past connections with Epstein, indicating Trump is "ruining his legacy."

  • Public Commentary: These comments were made in November 2025, predating the latest revelations linking him directly to Epstein's communication.

Analysis of "Damage Control" and "Ally" Framing

The description of Levin as an "ally for damage control" emerges from the interpretation of Sitrick's emails. The evidence suggests Sitrick was seeking to leverage his relationship with Levin to manage negative publicity for a client of Epstein's.

  • Sitrick's Intent: Sitrick's communication implies he was acting on behalf of Epstein or his associates to influence media coverage.

  • Levin's Position: Referring to Levin as a "good friend" in this context frames him as a potential contact point for public relations efforts, rather than an active participant in Epstein's alleged illicit activities. The specific nature of Levin's response, or lack thereof, to these specific Epstein emails is not detailed in the provided summaries.

Conclusion and Implications

The newly released Epstein files name Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, in communications from crisis manager Michael Sitrick. These emails, dating from 2011, discuss strategies for managing public relations around Sarah Ferguson, with Sitrick referring to Levin as a "good friend" and suggesting he could influence TMZ's coverage. While the emails indicate Sitrick was attempting to use his relationship for damage control regarding a story, the precise nature of Levin's knowledge or participation, if any, beyond being mentioned in these communications, remains unaddressed by the provided summaries. Levin has not yet publicly responded to specific inquiries regarding these particular emails.

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Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Harvey Levin mentioned in the new Jeffrey Epstein files?
Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, is mentioned in emails from 2011 written by crisis manager Michael Sitrick. Sitrick referred to Levin as a 'good friend' and discussed using him for public relations efforts related to Sarah Ferguson.
Q: What did Michael Sitrick say about Harvey Levin in the Epstein emails?
Michael Sitrick emailed Jeffrey Epstein in 2011, calling Harvey Levin a 'good friend.' Sitrick suggested he could influence TMZ's reporting on Sarah Ferguson and her 'backpedaling' on a story.
Q: What was the purpose of the emails mentioning Harvey Levin?
The emails show Sitrick was trying to manage public relations and media coverage for Sarah Ferguson. He believed he could use his connection with Levin to shape TMZ's story about her.
Q: Does this mean Harvey Levin was involved in Epstein's crimes?
The emails show Sitrick was trying to use his relationship with Levin for PR damage control in 2011. The documents do not show Levin was involved in Epstein's illegal activities, only that Sitrick saw him as a potential contact for media influence.
Q: Has Harvey Levin or TMZ responded to these mentions in the Epstein files?
As of now, Harvey Levin has not publicly responded to specific inquiries about these particular emails from 2011. The provided summaries do not detail any response from him or TMZ.