George Zimmerman Sues NBC For Implying He’s Racist

Trayvon Martin’s killer alleges network news team knowingly defamed him

George Zimmerman, the 28-year-old man accused of second-degree murder in Trayvon Martin’s death last February, filed a lawsuit against NBCUniversal on Thursday, claiming they knowingly edited his voice on a 911 tape to make him sound like a “racist, predatory villian.” Zimmerman, who has plead not guilty to the charge and is claiming self defense in his confrontation with Martin, a 17-year-old black Miami student, says NBC’s editing constitutes defamation and caused him emotional distress. NBC reviewed Zimmerman’s claims months ago and found that broadcast editors had improperly cut together his 911 call in which he identified Martin as black. Three NBC employees were fired over the incident, but the network says Zimmerman is wrong about their intent. “We strongly disagree with the accusations made in the complaint,” a network spokeswoman said in response to the lawsuit. “There was no intent to portray Mr. Zimmerman unfairly. We intend to vigorously defend our position in court.” It’s not clear how much in Zimmerman is seeking in damages. The former neighborhood watchman recently launched a campaign to raise money for his murder trial, which is scheduled to begin in June. (New York Times)

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