TMZ has come under fire for their offensive headline on the recent death of former Washington, D.C., mayor Marion Barry. The gossip site wrote, “Marion Barry Crack Mayor Dead at 78,” to report the news of the influential leader's demise on Sunday.
Now, readers have started a petition via Change.org urging the site to apologize for and change the headline. “We want his legacy to be honored the right way,” the petition reads. “Show respect to his family, friends and supporters.” The petition has gathered over 12,500 signatures and counting.
While Barry did have a well-known substance abuse problem, he was also known for his work in the civil rights movement and his dedication to advocating for people living in poverty. Barry was a groundbreaking civil servant who had earned the respect and admiration of his constituents.
Details of a public memorial service have yet to be released, but Barry’s body is expected to lie in state at the Wilson Building, which houses the offices and chambers of the mayor and city council of the District of Columbia.

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