Bids for an
original painting by George Zimmerman, who was acquitted in the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida, are close to topping $100,000 on auction website eBay.
His former defense attorney Mark O'Mara told "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV that Zimmerman is using the sale of his artwork as therapy to help him through his ordeal.
"If he's doing something to keep himself busy and [has] a place of focus for all the emotions that he has wrapped up in what was done to him for the past 18 months, then great," O'Mara said Tuesday.
"More power to him. I'm glad he's doing something very constructive with it, and if it makes him a few bucks, great. I'm very OK with that."
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Zimmerman — a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford, Fl., who was charged with murder and manslaughter in the Martin case — said he shot Martin, 17, in self-defense after being attacked.
The racially charged trial ended in a controversial acquittal.
Zimmerman's painting shows a blue American flag with the words "God, One Nation, with Liberty and Justice for All."
"[This is the] first hand painted artwork by me, George Zimmerman," Zimmerman writes in his pitch on eBay.
"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."
As of 5:30 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday, there had been 98 bids on the artwork, with the amount at $99,966. The auction will end in three days.
O'Mara may get a piece of the money.
"He owes me some money for the work we did, and if he gets a whole bunch of money somewhere, I'm sure we'll talk about it all," O'Mara said.
"He's got to still pay his own light bills and take care of not being able to work because of what this case has done to him, so he's got a lot on his shoulders."
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