TMZ founder Harvey Levin broke his usual silence on political matters Wednesday, publicly defending Dr. Anthony Fauci after the former top infectious disease expert faced a barrage of Republican attacks during a Senate hearing. In a video posted to TMZ's YouTube channel, Levin expressed dismay over the treatment of Fauci, who repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights.
"Watching Anthony Fauci before a congressional committee take the Fifth Amendment is just one of the most heartbreaking things I have seen in government," Levin said, noting he typically avoids using TMZ's platform for personal opinions. The hearing, led by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), saw Fauci refuse to answer questions about the CDC's pandemic response, vaccine policies, and COVID-19 origins, pleading the Fifth more than 100 times.
Levin acknowledged criticisms of the CDC's handling of the pandemic, particularly its impact on children and adults, but argued the agency acted without malice. "They used their judgment and were overprotective," he said. Still, he drew a sharp distinction between policy disagreements and what he characterized as a partisan vendetta against Fauci.
"Republicans seeking to punish Fauci are on a witch hunt," Levin argued. "They want to throw him in prison, there is no other point to this hearing." His comments come as Paul pushes for a contempt of Congress vote against Fauci, citing his refusal to testify. The contempt push has intensified partisan divisions on the committee.
The hearing featured tense exchanges, with Paul ordering Fauci's lawyer removed from the room at one point. Several GOP senators, including an Ohio Republican who dropped an expletive, attacked Fauci's pandemic guidance. Democrats, led by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), accused Paul of pursuing a partisan vendetta rather than legitimate oversight.
Levin's intervention is notable given TMZ's expanding footprint in Washington, D.C. The outlet has deployed producers and reporters to Capitol Hill this summer, confronting lawmakers with pointed questions. Levin's video, however, marked a rare personal statement on a political figure.
"Anthony Fauci over decades has been an amazing public servant," Levin said, urging viewers to separate Fauci's long career from the pandemic's failures. The hearing has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump praising Paul ahead of the showdown and renewing his own attacks on Fauci.
Levin's defense underscores a broader debate over accountability and political theater in Washington. While Republicans argue Fauci must answer for pandemic policies they say harmed millions, supporters like Levin see a targeted campaign to discredit a career public servant. The outcome of the contempt threat remains uncertain, but the hearing has already deepened partisan rifts.
