AP Threatens Legal Action Over George Zimmerman's New Painting

AP Not Happy With George Zimmerman's New Painting

George Zimmerman may be in legal trouble again, this time over his latest painting.

The painting, unveiled earlier this week, depicts Florida State Attorney Angela Corey, who charged Zimmerman with the second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin. It closely resembles an AP photo of Corey taken at a press conference in April 2012 — something the news organization is taking action against.

Here is the painting:
george zimmerman painting

Here is the AP's photo:
angela corey

AP spokesperson Paul Colford confirmed in a statement to Talking Points Memo and ANIMAL New York that the AP has sent Zimmerman a cease-and-desist letter. "George Zimmerman clearly directly copied an AP photo to create his painting of Florida State Attorney Angela Corey," he said in the statement. "The AP has sent a cease-and-desist letter asserting its copyright in the photo to the lawyer who recently represented Zimmerman. That lawyer has responded, and though she no longer represents Mr. Zimmerman, she will be forwarding the letter to him today."

Rick Wilson, the photographer who took the image for the AP, has also retained legal representation. Wilson's lawyer John Phillips told the Orlando Sentinel that he sent Zimmerman another cease-and-desist letter, and that if Zimmerman tries to sell the painting, his client is prepared, "in conjunction with the AP, to file suit against him."

On Thursday, Zimmerman's brother Robert tweeted that there have been offers made for painting and that "all options, [including] affordable prints" are being considered. A previous painting by Zimmerman sold for $100,099.99 on eBay.

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