TMZ Posts Pics of "Casey Anthony"

UPDATE - On TMZ Live this afternoon, one of the staff members stated that TMZ did NOT pay Casey Anthony for the pictures posted on their website. It was said that TMZ paid a "licensing fee" to SplashNewsOnline.com for the pictures. So, where and how did SplashNewsOnline.com acquire the pictures (none of which appear on their website)?

Prior to TMZ's staff member commenting that they had paid a licensing fee for the photos, I actually attempted to call into TMZ during the live portion of the show. A screener answered the phone, asking what my question was. I politely explained that I was calling to ascertain if TMZ had paid for the photos. The screener put me on hold, then the call was disconnected about five minutes later. I was actually able to get through again, and the same screener answered. I explained that the previous call had been disconnected, and advised him that I had spoken to him previously. He then asked me if I had any comments about  what the staff was currently discussing on-air. I made a general comment, and the screener told me he would pass the remarks along and hung up on me.

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This morning, TMZ published 27 pictures, purported to be of Her Heinous, Casey Anthony, out and about in Ohio this past Sunday.

If the pictures are authentic, Anthony is hardly living the bella vita. She's shown riffling through racks of clothes at an Old Navy, holding a cell phone, and sipping on Starbucks. She is alone in all of the shots.

Of greater importance then the identity of the woman is the pictures, is the question as to how TMZ managed to obtain them.

Jose Baez wasted no time after Casey's release to rush to various media outlets, attempting to sell his cash cow to the highest bidder. But with the unprecedented backlash in the wake of Casey's aquittal, the big bucks haven't materialized. Those opposed to Casey and crew profiting from Caylee's death have been diligent in making their revulsion known to the major networks and their sponsors. In response, the major networks have stated that they will not pay Casey Anthony for an interview. Baez himself was dropped by a PR firm less then 5 hours after he signed with them.

Baez is now left with his unmarketable client. Did Baez approach Harvey Levin and TMZ, arranging the photo-op, hoping to glean some quick cash? Many of the pictures appear to be casually staged - the woman clearly is aware that she is being photographed in many of the shots.

More importantly, if the woman in the photos is Casey Anthony, did TMZ pay for the pictures? Harvey, we're waiting for your response...