TMZ Shares FBI Interest in Guthrie Ransom Letters

TMZ founder Harvey Levin says the FBI is closely examining the ransom and demand letters sent to the media outlet amid the search for Nancy Guthrie.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:23am

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TMZ founder Harvey Levin revealed that the FBI is 'very interested' in the ransom and demand letters his news outlet has received related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Levin said there has been 'a lot of communication' between TMZ and the FBI as the outlet offered to act as a mediator between the letter writer and investigators. Going forward, TMZ will no longer disclose if they receive additional letters to avoid tipping off the alleged kidnapper.

Why it matters

The FBI's interest in the letters suggests they may contain valuable clues or information that could aid in the search for Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1st. The case has garnered national attention, and the ransom demands add an additional layer of complexity and urgency.

The details

According to Levin, the FBI is particularly interested in the ransom letter and demand letters received by TMZ, though he noted they have not yet 'cracked' the case. TMZ had previously offered to act as a mediator between the letter writer and investigators, leading to 'a lot of communication' with the FBI. Going forward, TMZ will no longer disclose if they receive any new letters, as they do not want to tip off the alleged kidnapper.

  • Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on February 1st.
  • The FBI revealed Nest doorbell camera footage showing a masked, gloved and armed man outside her door the night she was determined to be abducted.

The players

Harvey Levin

The founder of TMZ, a celebrity news outlet that has received ransom and demand letters related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the NBC 'Today' show and the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of Savannah Guthrie who has been missing since February 1st, prompting a widespread search and the receipt of ransom letters by TMZ.

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What they’re saying

“I will tell you, the FBI is very interested in both the ransom letter and these demand letters — in particular today. I mean, there was a lot of communication between us and the FBI. So they are really interested in this.”

— Harvey Levin, TMZ Founder

“As for the person who wrote the note, Sean, we decided that we're not going to say if he sent us any more letters because if we say we got a letter today, and tomorrow you ask me and I say we've got a letter tomorrow, and then the next day we say, 'We're not going to talk about it,' it tips off the kidnapper.”

— Harvey Levin, TMZ Founder

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the alleged kidnapper out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces in high-profile kidnapping cases, where media outlets like TMZ play a delicate role in cooperating with investigators while also needing to carefully manage the release of information to avoid compromising the investigation.