WASHINGTON (WUSA9) --TMZ's controversial headline on former Mayor Marion Barry's death is upsetting some residents in the District.
TMZ's breaking news headline reads "Marion Barry Crack Mayor Dead at 78."
Most residents of the District need no reminder of the night of January 18th, 1990 when Barry was arrested in a sting at the Vista Hotel and convicted for misdemeanor possession of crack cocaine. But in his death residents are remembering how Barry overcame the scandal, even being elected to the Mayor's Office again in 1994.
TMZ's article had over a thousand comments, where people expressed outrage, ranted and made heartfelt appeals asking the website to consider the good Barry did for the city.
A change.org petition was started asking for the site to remove the "distasteful" headline and apologize. The petition had gathered more than 12,000 signatures by Sunday evening.
