On Saturday, Dec. 21, the same day that George Zimmerman closed his ebay auction of his painting for over $100,000, the online auctioneers removed Michael D'Antuono's anti-racism painting inspired by the Zimmerman case, "A Tale Of Two Hoodies" for being "hateful or discriminatory." While Zimmerman was allowed to capitalize on his ill-gotten notoriety, D'Antuono was denied the opportunity to sell his painting with 50% of the proceeds intended to go to the very foundation named in honor of Zimmerman's victim.
The painting, intended to symbolize the travesty of racially profiling innocent children and the affect prejudice has on policy, had created a stir when it was originally released shortly after the Trayvon Martin murder. The bidding was gaining momentum quickly passing the $25,000 mark on day two of a scheduled seven day auction when ebay decided to pull the plug. D'Antuono feels ebay failed to see the forest from the trees on this one. "In my opinion, any policy that allows a murderer to profit from his crime, but deems art that speaks out against racial injustice and benefits it's victims 'hateful and discriminatory' needs to be reevaluated" said D'Antuono
For more information, you can read the Raw Story article on this injustice.
In light of recent developments, the artist will continue to consider bids. You can contact the artist on his website D'Antuono will donate half of the proceeds to The Trayvon Martin Foundation.