TMZ Accuses Ex-Employee of Embezzling $100,000

As a seasoned cinephile with decades of immersion in the intricate world of Hollywood, I must say that this story about TMZ and their former executive, Woody Wood, leaves me more than just a little disheartened. It’s always troubling to see those who have climbed the ranks of success only to come crashing down due to their own poor decisions.

TMZ intends to sue a former executive in small claims court, claiming that he misappropriated approximately $99,509 from the company’s funds.

As per the allegations, Alex “Woody” Wood was employed by the media company from January 2023 until February 2024. The lawsuit claims that he abused his trusted role by illegally withdrawing funds from the petty cash.

“Wood is an embezzler and a fraudster,” the suit alleges.

A trial is set to be held at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on Monday morning.

Additionally, it’s alleged that Wood used a company credit card for personal expenditures, subsequently concealed these transactions, and furthermore, is suspected of redirecting funds belonging to TMZ towards his own businesses.

Following his capture, Wood confessed to his misdeeds and pledged to return the funds he had taken, as outlined in the court document.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve found myself in an unusual predicament. From April to July, I’d been making regular payments to TMZ, yet come August, these contributions ceased. The gist of the situation, as presented in the complaint, is that I still owe them a substantial sum of around $45,000.

The company says he has “refused repeated requests” to pay off the remaining balance.

TMZ sued in small claims court on Oct. 1.

Though the company claims it is owed $45,000, the most it can recover in small claims is $6,250.

On Friday, Wood chose to refrain from providing a statement when contacted. It’s worth noting that according to IMDb, he was the production executive for TMZ’s Christmas special titled “TMZ’s Merry Elfin Christmas” last year.

As a seasoned movie critic, I find myself reflecting on the fascinating turn of events in the realm of celebrity journalism: In 2021, WarnerMedia offloaded TMZ, that infamous gossip juggernaut, to Fox Corp for an estimated $50 million. This bold move comes nearly a decade and a half after its inception by Harvey Levin, a man who once graced the hallowed halls of law schools as a professor before transitioning into the limelight as a legal commentator and TV news reporter. The story of TMZ is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment.

Read More

2024-12-07 02:16