Trayvon's Shooter May Sue NBC Over Tape Edit

George Zimmerman says distorted version made him appear racist
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 4, 2012 12:37 PM CDT
Trayvon's Shooter May Sue NBC Over Tape Edit
In this June 29 photo, George Zimmerman, left, and attorney Don West appear before Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester, Jr. in Sanford, Fla.   (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Joe Burbank, Pool)

George Zimmerman is going to sue NBC for the editing of a tape that distorted his comments after the Travyon Martin shooting, reports the Page Six blog of the New York Post. (The Wrap, however, says the suit is just a possibility at this point.) In the version of the tape that aired, Zimmerman is heard saying this to a police dispatcher: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks black." His full comments: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. Or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about.” Only after the dispatcher asks, “OK, and this guy—is he white, black, or Hispanic?" does Zimmerman respond, "He looks black."

NBC fired the producer involved and at least two other employees. "Due in large part to NBC’s actions, George has had to live in hiding, in fear for his life," his attorney tells the Wrap. "Yes, we are considering a lawsuit against NBC for defamation, and we have collaborated with outside counsel to advise Mr. Zimmerman." (More Trayvon Martin stories.)

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