George Zimmerman sues NBC and reporters
Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 6, 2012 10:30 PM CST
George Zimmerman sues NBC and reporters
By By Mike Schneider, Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — George Zimmerman sued NBC on Thursday, claiming he was defamed when the network edited his 911 call to police after the shooting of Trayvon Martin to make it sound like he was racist.
The former neighborhood watch volunteer filed the lawsuit seeking an undisclosed amount of money in Seminole County, outside Orlando. Also named in the complaint were three reporters covering the story for NBC or an NBC-owned television station.
The complaint said the airing of the edited call has inflicted emotional distress on Zimmerman, making him fear for his life and causing him to suffer nausea, insomnia and anxiety.
The lawsuit claims NBC edited his phone call to a dispatcher in February. In the call, Zimmerman describes following Martin in the gated community where he lived, just moments before he fatally shot the 17-year-old teen during a confrontation.
Read more: http://www.salon.com/2012/12/07/george_zimmerman_sues_nbc_and_reporters/
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alp227
(32,033 posts)Eventually the truth about the phone call came out soon thanks to online sources (including that right wing "LIBERAL MEDIA BIAS!!!1!" blog NewsBusters), and NBC fired the producers who did that flawed edit. I think Zimmerman is just making a fool out of himself right here and is desperate for extra cash. NBC will most likely settle this out of court.
johnfunk
(6,113 posts)It would in fact likely be cheaper than settling.
dballance
(5,756 posts)What about the emotional distress Trayvon Martin's family feel after you gunned him down for no apparent reason other than walking in a gated neighborhood while being black? Yep, that soda and Skittles were a real threat.
cstanleytech
(26,294 posts)what they are and if the facts are that NBC did edit what they aired then they are liable for it imo.
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)shut the fuck up.
And I hope they put your ass in the slammer for years and years and years...
Fuck'n killer.
sheshe2
(83,791 posts)YOU were in fear for your life once again! By the media! Well by all means stand your ground and SHOOT us you asshole.
You already shot a child, Trayvon, in cold blood.
Go ahead and make our day!
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Last edited Fri Dec 7, 2012, 03:36 AM - Edit history (1)
No wonder he found a lawyer to represent him. There is too much editing in the media. Fox News edited Obama's speeches to an unbelievable extent -- and for political purposes. Of course, the media can't broadcast every word of every statement, but they shouldn't edit in order to change the meaning of what is said.
If they omitted some of his language without changing the meaning, seems to me that is probably OK. But if they changed the meaning, maybe there is a problem.
LAGC
(5,330 posts)I don't think Zimmy was so much racist as much as he was a wannabe cop.
I don't think he should go down for Deliberate Homicide, but I could definitely see Voluntary Manslaughter being on the table, considering he went out of his way looking for trouble.
dballance
(5,756 posts)So it wasn't racist so it's not murder? I don't think that's a good argument in court.
I agree with your assertion Zimmerman was a wannabe cop. That, however, does not excuse him from his actions.
Please recall a 9-11 operator told him not to get out of his car and not to pursue a person he suspected. But to wait and let the real police do that.
Zimmerman decided he knew better than the trained professionals and took matters into his own hands. We all know how well that worked out.
Vigilante justice is rarely fair. But that's what Zimmerman exercised. His obviously flawed interpretation of the situation caused the death of an innocent person. Now there is a dead child. In any fair court Zimmerman would be convicted and sentenced to at least life with no parole.
LAGC
(5,330 posts)He really should have done as he was told by the dispatcher and stayed in the car.
But proving murder (deliberate homicide) might be a tough call for a jury to find. I don't think its clear that he followed the kid with the intent to shoot him, perhaps just hold him at gun-point until police arrived.
Just that it ended up that way after Trayvon (understandably) got confrontational at this strange man following him in the middle of the night.
That's why I suspect he'll either plea to Voluntary Manslaughter, or be found guilty of the same by a jury.
you damn 'zimmy' apologists are a pox on truth and if he gets found not guilty, on justice. If that happens, not guilty, i suspect people like you will be walking around with a satisfied smirk on your face because the amerikkkan justice system did it again.
LAGC
(5,330 posts)I just disagree that he will go down for full murder.
I'll be surprised if he gets let off the hook altogether.
He was clearly in the wrong that night.
loyalkydem
(1,678 posts)cstanleytech
(26,294 posts)I personally refuse to make a judgment call on if he should be in jail for life with no parole, 20 years, 5 years, 6 months or probation as I didnt witness the shooting and its not for me to make that call its for the judge and jury who hear the case to decide.
DallasNE
(7,403 posts)They spliced two consecutive Zimmerman comments together to make it sound as a single statement. Between was a question from the dispatcher. This was a local report rather than a national report, not that it makes it right, but to show the scope. While the editing was improper (those involved were fired) it really doesn't in the big picture shed Zimmerman in a more negative light because there are other Zimmerman statements that paints the same picture. I'm guessing this will be settled out of court for a sum in the range of $30,000 without NBC admitting guilt.
Azathoth
(4,610 posts)Regardless of what happened the night Trayvon died, NBC's behavior (extending to MSNBC's behavior, along with a cross-section of the left-leaning media) has been absolutely reprehensible, every bit as vile as the Right's most vicious smearing and racebaiting. In a single story, they managed to vindicate every right-wing hate merchant who, after being caught doing something particularly dishonest and opprobrious, whined hysterically about how "the Left does it too."
John2
(2,730 posts)He followed a kid that was Black. The kid did nothing illegal. Why did he call 911? What was suspicious about the kid? Lets start at that point. Can you answer that question without racially profiling? Just what was the victim doing that made Zimmerman think he was suspicious.
Lets not beat around the bush with semantics. Did Zimmerman have a problem with distinguishing the race of the victim? So he is claiming that his response to the 911 operator was " That he looks Black", Is that suppose to make people believe he wasn't sure? The way he said it is suppose to make us believe it was not racially motivated? Did he respond the kid was up to no good or not? That wouldn't be an edit. That would have to be made up. So why did he say the kid was up to no good? That is prejudicial right there and points to bias. So clear that up for anyone wanting to defend Zimmerman?
Not only that, explain the reports about Zimmerman's past experiences concerning race, that has been reported since the killing, and especially attitudes towards Blacks.
Am I to believe, that the attitudes towards Zimmerman came from this so called edit and not from him stalking an unarmed Black teenager, who was just going home? You think an edit is why the parents and African americans are angry at Zimmerman? Give me a break! So he blatantly commits murder and profits from this!
And I'll make this clear, Zimmerman had no authority under any law to apprehend this kid. He was not acting as any Law Enforcement officer regardless. The kid did nothing suspicious or illegal. Zimmerman also exacerbated the potential of something happening, just by approaching the kid with a deadly weapon. The intent to cause serious injury was there, if this kid didn't comply to Zimmerman's demands. It is first Degree murder as far as I'm concerned because Zimmerman from the start was lying and waiting for someone like Martin.
LAGC
(5,330 posts)What Zimmerman did was bad enough in and of itself, stalking the kid after being told to back off by police dispatch.
It doesn't help (and indeed, only muddies the waters) for NBC to have selectively edited his words, taking him out of context, to promote sheer sensationalism.
That doesn't help the cause of those looking for Zimmerman to be served justice.
the case go through the Trial. I'll admit that I have already judged the guy through information in the media, but to single out NBC is ridiculous. There is more information from other sources that points to this being racially motivated. I didn't come to that conclusion because of some minor edit from NBC. That is his charge. I'm pretty sure others, such as the victim's father didn't either, nor the victim's girl friend. Zimmerman had no business stalking the kid in the first place and label him as suspicious. It was racially profiling just because the kid was Black! And I'm not mudding any picture by accusing him of racially profiling. Zimmerman should not weasel out of this. NBC should not be on trial. If he thinks NBC caused the anger against him, then let him sue them after the Trial. That is the procedure it should happen. His lawyers have not proven anything yet, because it is still in court! And this ass hole can sue the father and me too! Send that message to them! They can call it reverse Vigilante or stand your ground, whatever Zimmerman and his cronies want to! I call it poetic justice! Then it will make people who think like Mr Zimmerman twice before they think that they can stalk somebody else's kid behind some law!
morningfog
(18,115 posts)to help Zimmerman defend his murder charge.
Tandalayo_Scheisskopf
(22,381 posts)First, the story was being reported out of the Orlando market station. Fact is, down here, especially in the lead up to the POTUS race media buy season, the competition was fierce. Everyone wanted to get the biggest piece of that pie, based on their market share of eyeballs. On a good day down here, the news coverage is rediculously sensational and breathless fear-mongering. Give them a tasty story like Zimmerman and, well, here you go. Needless to say, you can bet that 911 call was edited in Orlando and journalistic integrity be damned. Make the numbers is the whole of the law.
You shoulda been here for Casey Anthony. Oy gevalt.
But the problems here run deeper and more fundamental: this is Florida, and there is a deep strain of Bull Goose Loony here. You have the indigenous Cracker culture, who doesn't much like anyone except other Crackers and they just want to kick each other's ass. You have the transplants, who came here for the idealized view of FL and certain perceived "freedoms", such as the freedom to get to the south and give full rein to their racism(Ain't no racist like a transplanted Northerner. Full stop.). You have the gun culture: anyone with a FL drivers license, anyone, can buy a gun. You want a semi-auto, full military livery death machine? Bring your license and lots of money. Soooo...you are armed to the teeth. What now? Well, watch TV, get a little "if it bleeds, it leads" fear in your belly, shoot someone. What the hell, "stand your ground" makes it all ok. You effectively have an 00 license.
Doubt me? Come on down and watch the news.
King_Klonopin
(1,306 posts)10) SEAN HANNITY
9) P.K. SUPPAN (MONTREAL CANADIENS)
8) GEORGE ZIMMERMAN
7) SCOTT BROWN
6) SKIP BAYLESS (ESPN)
5) ALLEN WEST
4) DARRELL ISSA
3) KARL ROVE
2) ERIC CANTOR
1) SCOTT WALKER
Not that I condone violence, mind you.
It's just impulses coming from my brain stem.
Cha
(297,317 posts)King_Klonopin
(1,306 posts)goclark
(30,404 posts)of favorites.
pepperbear
(5,648 posts)and when you started a defense fund with your wife while crying poverty to avoid jail time, and when you demanded that Barbara Walters foot a first-class bill in exchange for a TV appearance, and when you sold your autograph for money, or when you said it was God's will to kill the kid......
take your pick.
jtuck004
(15,882 posts)
ReRe
(10,597 posts)So when will this come to trial (if it does at all?) Wouldn't be until after the criminal trial, would it? If they settle this out-of-court before the criminal trial, are they banking on this making George look innocent, or "not prejudiced" in the criminal trial? George looks like he's gained some weight in that photo. I have no sympathy for him if he is indeed nauseous, sleepless and anxious, depressed and fearing for his life. He should have thought about that before he stalked, provoked a possible fictitious fight, and killed the boy. Violent crimes happen so quickly and yet justice takes so long.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)So he jerks everyone's chain to get it back.
CBHagman
(16,986 posts)On the one hand, it does look as though it's the usual crass move to bring in some cash. Still, I've noticed that people who are abusive and/or in the wrong will A) go on the offensive and B) claim victim status at the same time. Of course Zimmerman has been depicting himself as victimized for a while, but the additional aggression is striking.
ripcord
(5,409 posts)Even though Zimmerman is a murderer NBC went way over the top to sensationalize a story that really didn't need it. It was wrong no matter who it was directed at, we all deserve better.
now the victim of NBC! He is not the victim of NBC! He shot an unarmed kid and took his life, without any cause and should pay for it! To suggest that he should now profit for it is ludicrous! He just as well sue the father of the victim and everybodyelse for sensationalism, which would be a slap in the face!
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)that would qualify as actual damage.
A vigorous legal defense is the right of every criminal defendant. Even if he is convicted (and I believe he will be) he would be entitled to compensation for the extra cost.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)And I know NRA supporters say SYG doesn't apply. But it damn sure is an issue and gives the murderer a chance in court.
I still bet there will be at least one bigoted, stand-your-ground-with-your-gun cultist on the hung jury.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)If the case goes to trial the defense will have nothing to do with extended castle doctrine. It will be plain old self-defense as recognized in common law for centuries.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)And at least one bigoted, gun cultist will hang the jury -- IMO.
Don't have to be an NRA member to "benefit" from their gun promotions and lobbying -- millions of gun cultists are free-riders enjoying their guns and all the crud that goes with em.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Only the actions of both parties will matter.
But go ahead and pursue the deception if it makes you happy.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)They may not say it publicly, but they'll "reward" Zimmy for doing what they have been practicing to do most of their gun filled life by voting "not guilty."
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Big difference.
morningfog
(18,115 posts)I hope Zimmerman doesn't get a dime. And, I don't think he will.
loyalkydem
(1,678 posts)
Turbineguy
(37,343 posts)society's predators!
GETTINGTIRED
(330 posts)the lying...child murderer....
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)I wonder what penalty they would have the government assess on MSNBC.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=1932043
mostlyconfused
(211 posts)That can't serve as an excuse for any type of behavior against him. His guilt doesn't justify what NBC did, just like it wouldn't justify the police beating a confession out of him or planting/fabricating evidence that would help them prove his guilt. Debating NBC's actions in light of what Zimmerman did seems a bit silly...a charge of murder and a charge of bad reporting (or even slander) are not remotely comparable....but NBC was still wrong to do what it did.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)If MSNBC's actions made it more difficult, i.e. more expensive for him to get that defense, they should be held accountable.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)It's not enough that he killed a boy who was doing nothing but walking home after getting snacks, he has to continue to do everything possible to profit from it.
He is a nasty piece of filth.
struggle4progress
(118,295 posts)By BRIAN STELTER
... The suit, filed in circuit court in Seminole County, Fla., asked for a jury trial. A spokeswoman for NBCUniversal said in response to the suit: “We strongly disagree with the accusations made in the complaint. There was no intent to portray Mr. Zimmerman unfairly. We intend to vigorously defend our position in court.”
The edits of a 911 audio recording — which removed an intervening question from the operator directly asking Mr. Zimmerman what race Mr. Martin was — aired three times on NBC’s “Today” show: first on March 20, in a report by Lilia Luciano; on March 22, in another report by Ms. Luciano; and again on March 27, in a report by Ron Allen. The killing of Mr. Martin, on the night of Feb. 26 in Sanford, Fla., spurred a national debate about self-defense, crime and race.
In Ms. Luciano’s first report, Mr. Zimmerman’s words to the 911 operator were: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good or he’s on drugs or something. He looks black.” In fact, Mr. Zimmerman told the operator: “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.” When the dispatcher said, “O.K., and this guy — is he white, black or Hispanic?” Mr. Zimmerman then said, “He looks black” ...
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/man-charged-in-trayvon-martins-death-sues-nbc-for-defamation/
Atypical Liberal
(5,412 posts)
SemperEadem
(8,053 posts)I guess that bill is starting to loom on your horizon...
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)Is this a new defense team, or the same one that was incompetent to have no idea Z had thousands of dollars contributed to him in a paypal account he and his wife tried unsuccessfully to move?
Pterodactyl
(1,687 posts)randomtagger
(125 posts)Making up lies about Zimmerman is wrong even if he is guilty as sin. The media should be honest whether he is guilty or not.
Pterodactyl
(1,687 posts)I shoulda used sarcasm markers!
randomtagger
(125 posts)I love how the media alternates between smearing Trayvon as a thug and a drug addict and smearing Zimmerman as a gun toting psycho and a racist. There is so much bullshit surrounding this case, you could spread it across a field.
Throd
(7,208 posts)Stoke public passion on any side of an issue to maximize profit. Pursuit of the truth isn't what this is about. Conflict is the product they're a-peddlin'.
babylonsister
(171,070 posts)memories. So good; keep it up, you slimebag.
Loudly
(2,436 posts)libdem4life
(13,877 posts)The newest doctored photo was released a short time ago. Only problem with it was that the neatly clipped facial hair in the original photo showing no sign of damage, and the new one with broken nose, blood, etc., the facial hair looked to be a day or two grown out.