Shepard Fairey Admits to "Submitting False Images"

As many of you may know, Shepard Fairey has been involved in a law suit with the Associated Press over the photo he used as the basis for his now iconic "Obama Hope" poster. In a recent interview, we spoke briefly about his ongoing court battles which I assumed would be resolved in due course. Now in a bombshell press release Fairey states:

On October 9, 2009, my lawyers sent a letter to the AP and to the photographer Mannie Garcia, through their lawyers, notifying them that I intend to amend my court pleadings. Throughout the case, there has been a question as to which Mannie Garciaphoto I used as a reference to design the HOPE image. The AP claimed it was one photo, and I claimed it was another.

The new filings state for the record that the AP is correct about which photo I used as a reference and that I was mistaken. While I initially believed that the photo I referenced was a different one, I discovered early on in the case that I was wrong.

In an attempt to conceal my mistake I submitted false images and deleted other images. I sincerely apologize for my lapse in judgment and I take full responsibility for my actions which were mine alone. I am taking every step to correct the information and I regret I did not come forward sooner.

I have to say I did not see this coming. Right wing pundits are going to have a ball with this.

STATEMENT BY SHEPARD FAIREY ON ASSOCIATED PRESS FAIR USE CASE

OCTOBER16, 2009
In an effort to keep everyone up to date on my legal battle to uphold the principle of fair use in copyright laws, I wanted to notify you of a recent development in my case against The Associated Press (AP).

On October 9, 2009, my lawyers sent a letter to the AP and to the photographer Mannie Garcia, through their lawyers, notifying them that I intend to amend my court pleadings. Throughout the case, there has been a question as to which Mannie Garciaphoto I used as a reference to design the HOPE image. The AP claimed it was one photo, and I claimed it was another.

The new filings state for the record that the AP is correct about which photo I used as a reference and that I was mistaken. While I initially believed that the photo I referenced was a different one, I discovered early on in the case that I was wrong.

In an attempt to conceal my mistake I submitted false images and deleted other images.I sincerely apologize for my lapse in judgment and I take full responsibility for my actions which were mine alone. I am taking every step to correct the information and I regret I did not come forward sooner.

I am very sorry to have hurt and disappointed colleagues, friends, and family who have
supported me in this difficult case and trying time in my life.

I am also sorry because my actions may distract from what should be the real focus of my case –the right to fair use so that all artists can create freely. Regardless of which of the two images was used, the fair use issue should be the same.