Jacksonville photographer claims Zimmerman copied photo for painting

AP demands George Zimmerman halt sale of painting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Associated Press is demanding that George Zimmerman halt the sale of one of his paintings because the news agency said it directly copies an AP photo taken by photographer Rick Wilson during a press conference in 2012.

Zimmerman painted Angela Corey in fiery red and orange in his latest work of art titled, "Angie," now up for bid.

However, Wilson wants Zimmerman to stop trying to profit from the painting.

Wilson lives in Jacksonville and told Channel 4 Friday night that he is offended by Zimmerman's painting.

"It's kind of sad that someone would claim to be an artist, announce to the world that they intend to sell this piece and creatively it's not even their own," said Wilson.

Wilson said he's been a photographer for 25 years and said the painting is a copycat image from a photo he snapped at Corey's press conference on April 11, 2012. That day, Corey charged Zimmerman with second-degree murder in the 2012 shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman was acquitted.

Zimmerman's past art work was a money maker; his last portrait of a flag sold on eBay with a winning bid of over $100,000.

"I want to bring this issue of copyright of licenses to the forefront," said Wilson.

The AP issued a cease and desist letter to Zimmerman Friday to stop the sale of his latest painting.

RELATED: AP says Zimmerman painting is copy of its photo

Wilson and his attorney, John Phillips, said their letter will be arriving shortly.

"If you put George Zimmerman's picture inside Rick Wilson's, there's no question it's the exact same photo," said attorney John Phillips. "It's just that he's put some red screen on it, and you can't do that. The U.S. Supreme Court has come and said that you can't do it, and he's going to have a hard time fighting it."