S. Samuel
With ex-Florida neighborhood watch worker George Zimmerman now putting his life into high-priced eBay paintings, the attorney who helped him avoid jail has reacted to the news.
Despite Zimmerman reportedly owing him $1 million in legal fees, attorney Mark O’Mara simply said the painting sales may be an attempt at rebuilding his life.
George Zimmerman could have a gold mine on his hands — selling artwork to climb out of massive debt — and no one’s happier than the lawyer who defended him at his murder trial — who’s still waiting to be paid … TMZ has learned. Zimmerman is on the hook to attorney Mark O’Mara for a reported $1 million. Zimmerman could make a serious dent in that debt if he sells his first original painting on eBay … because the highest bid is now well over $100K. O’Mara wouldn’t comment on Zimmerman’s finances. But he did tell us, “If selling paintings helps him rebuild his life, I’m not going to stand in the way of that.” (TMZ)
According to reports, Zimmerman’s painting of the United States flag has received some serious eBay bids this week.
As of Tuesday morning, there have been 98 bids placed on the piece listed as “therealgeorgez.” The starting price was listed as only 99 cents before it skyrocketed to $99,966 hours later. Zimmerman’s piece is a canvas painting of the U.S. flag in different shades of blue with the words “God, One Nation, with Liberty and Justice for All” in white letters on the flag’s darker shades of blue stripes. The description of the painting states: “First hand painted artwork by me, George Zimmerman. Everyone has been asking what I have been doing with myself. I found a creative, way to express myself, my emotions and the symbols that represent my experiences. My art work allows me to reflect, providing a therapeutic outlet and allows me to remain indoors. I hope you enjoy owning this piece as much as I enjoyed creating it. Your friend, George Zimmerman” (CBS News)
Since making the post, Zimmerman has communicated with potential bidders.
Two prospective buyers asked Zimmerman a question regarding the size of the painting. Zimmerman responded to the questions saying the painting is 18″ x 24″ and that it is signed by him. A third person who also wrote in the “questions about this item” section said, “Just wanted to tell you we all love you and stand behind you. You have so many people on your side I hope you know that!.” Zimmerman responded, “Thank you so much for the words of kindness and support. I do know how many great Americans are still here, I run into at least 3-5 a day that go out of their way to tell me the same.” He signed all three responses as, “Your Friend, GZ @therealGeorgeZ.” The bidding ends Saturday Dec. 21. (CBS News)
A full-fledged description of the painting has also been attached to the post.
“First hand painted artwork by me, George Zimmerman. Everyone has been asking what I have been doing with myself. I found a creative, way to express myself, my emotions and the symbols that represent my experiences. My art work allows me to reflect, providing a therapeutic outlet and allows me to remain indoors 🙂 I hope you enjoy owning this piece as much as I enjoyed creating it. Your friend, George Zimmerman” (eBay)
The notorious Florida resident’s brother has reportedly confirmed the auction is legit.
Zimmerman’s brother, Robert Zimmerman Jr., has confirmed the auction is real, and said the painting is, indeed, the work of his brother, who was acquitted of murder in July for the 2012 shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford. After his domestic violence arrest, Zimmerman told a judge he only had $144 to his name and $2.5 million in liabilities in debt. His former attorney, Mark O’Mara said he believes most of that debt was money owed to him and attorney Don West, both of whom represented Zimmerman in his murder trial. (My News 13)
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