Nancy Guthrie Update: TMZ Founder Pushes Back on Explosive Claims About Ransom Notes
New details are emerging in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, as conflicting reports continue to surface about the authenticity of ransom notes tied to the case.
TMZ founder Harvey Levin is now pushing back on recent claims that the notes are fake, citing conversations with sources he says are connected to the FBI.
After Reuters published its update on the ransom notes, Levin said that he wanted to dig deeper. "So, we made calls," he said in a video shared on social media. "I'm going to tell you that I spoke with two people in the FBI. One of whom is involved in the investigation, one of whom is an official. And the official in the FBI...said this: 'It is more likely than not that the two ransom notes are real.'"
Levin said that later on in their conversation, the FBI official said that the original two ransom notes sent to media outlets—one demanding bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie and the other reportedly stating that she had died—are "more legitimate than not."
🚨🎥 Despite Reuters report that the Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are fake, TMZ's law enforcement sources tell us they believe the notes are more than likely authentic. pic.twitter.com/O35RSDsOen
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 1, 2026
The TMZ founder also asked his FBI sources about the emails he's been receiving from someone claiming to know who is responsible for Guthrie's disappearance. Levin's sources said it's "less likely that those letters are real."
"We are told today that [the FBI] are still pursuing those two notes," Levin said, referring to the initial notes sent to the media regarding Guthrie.
As for the confusing statements and the back-and-forth reported by various media outlets, Levin addressed that with the FBI official as well. The person explained that there are multiple agents working the case and their opinions are "going to vary."
Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Feb. 1. Authorities believe that she was abducted from her Arizona home. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.