Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Hollywood Marketing Consultant and Social Justice Advocate, Michael Latt
In a devastating turn of events, Michael Latt, a prominent marketing consultant and advocate for social justice in Hollywood, lost his life on Monday after an intruder entered his residence and fatally shot him in the head, as confirmed by law enforcement sources to The Times.
The shooting, believed to be a random act of violence, prompted a swift response from the police after they were alerted to the incident around 6 p.m. at Latt’s home in the 900 block of Alandele Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Latt with a gunshot wound to his head. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Latt was shot by a woman, identified as Jameelah Elena Michl, 36, who entered his home without permission. Michl was promptly arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene and is currently held on $3-million bail. Law enforcement described Michl as a person living in her vehicle, which was seized as evidence.
Latt, the CEO of Lead With Love, an entertainment marketing consulting firm he founded in 2019, focused on uplifting Black creatives and amplifying underrepresented voices in Hollywood. The son of film producer David Latt and Michelle Satter, founding senior director at the Sundance Institute, Michael Latt’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the industry.
In a statement on X, Michelle Satter expressed the family’s grief, saying, “Our beloved son Michael Latt fell victim to a tragic act of violence this week.” She highlighted his dedication to supporting artists of color and leveraging storytelling for enduring change, adding, “We celebrate his legacy, love & compassion.”
Colleagues and friends, including actor Jesse Williams, mourned the “devastating loss” on Latt’s social media posts. The Sundance Institute, where Latt previously worked, issued a statement mourning his death and recognizing his commitment to using storytelling and art for positive change.
After graduating from Chapman University in 2013, Latt immersed himself in entertainment marketing before shifting his focus to social justice activism. Lead With Love, under his leadership, conducted impactful campaigns featuring celebrities like Common and director Ryan Coogler, advocating for issues such as voting rights and honoring Black women.
Latt’s commitment to social good was evident in his own words: “The moment I realized that I could use my skill set for social good, I decided to dedicate the rest of my career to helping others, empowering storytellers of color, and fighting injustice wherever it stands,” he told Forbes.
As the industry mourns the loss of a dedicated advocate, Michael Latt’s legacy lives on through his impactful work, remembered by friends, family, and collaborators alike.
I lost another friend this week and trying to hold all this grief is impossible. He was the definitive ally—used every tool he had to elevate the voices and work of Black creatives. So much love to his mother and family and everyone who knew him. https://t.co/qEVmJ6EOzx
— Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) November 29, 2023