TMZ’s Harvey Levin Stands Firm on Authenticity of Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note

Riley Calderon

Published: April 6, 2026 6:15 PM ET

TMZ’s Harvey Levin Stands Firm on Authenticity of Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note

Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, announced on Monday that the digital news outlet received a new ransom note related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The sender, who has been persistently communicating with Levin and TMZ, claims to possess crucial information about the 84-year-old woman, who is the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Claims Without Action from Law Enforcement

Despite the serious nature of the claims, Levin noted that the FBI has not taken action against the sender. He and TMZ executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere stated in a social media video that they forwarded the recent letter to investigators in hopes of further exploration.

The Content of the Ransom Note

The ransom note expresses that the sender knows who kidnapped Nancy Guthrie and where she can be found. Levin shared details, stating, “We received another email today saying, ‘I know where her body is and who the kidnapper is. Give me half a Bitcoin and I’ll tell you.’” This relentless communication might pose serious implications, especially since pursuing scams can lead to federal charges.

Concerns About Legitimacy

Levin believes there may be validity behind the sender’s claims.
He cited a change in the sender’s urgency, noting that they initially stressed the importance of time, then stated it was no longer essential.
This shift raised Levin’s suspicions about the sender’s credibility.

While Levin clarified he is not an FBI agent, he expressed his belief that the sender might indeed have valuable information. Latibeaudiere echoed this sentiment, stating, “From the outside looking in, it sure seems like this person knows something.”

Investigation Status and Rewards

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Since the search began two months ago, Savannah Guthrie has offered a reward of $1 million for any information that leads to her mother’s return. Additionally, the FBI has pledged a reward of $100,000.