Fairey Lied About Origin of Obama Photo

A battle that had all the elements of a David vs. Goliath grudge match, has ended in ignominy as Shep Fairey has had to admit that it was the AP photo that he used for the iconic Barack Obama poster Hope. This is an appalling circumstance that should never have reached this point: AP was vilified by fair use advocates for stomping on the little creative guy.

Obviously, the outcome doesn't address any fair use question and AP may be accused of other misdemeanors but to paraphrase the man: Where do they go to get their reputation back? (NYT)

Mr. Fairey admitted that in the initial months after the suit and countersuit were filed, he destroyed evidence and created false documents to cover up the real source. He said he had initially believed that The A.P was wrong about which photo he used, but later realized the agency was right.

“In an attempt to conceal my mistake, I submitted false images and deleted other images,” Mr. Fairey said in a statement, released on his Web site. “I sincerely apologize for my lapse in judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions, which were mine alone.”

Mr. Fairey’s lawyers said they intended to withdraw when he could find new counsel.