Man behind Obama 'HOPE' poster admits to lying about image source

New York, Feb 25 (ANI): The Los Angeles street artist behind the iconic Obama "HOPE" poster pleaded guilty on Friday to lying about the photograph he used to create the image.

It was a stunning turn for Shepard Fairey, 42, the guerilla street artist and graphic designer who is also well known for his "Obey Giant" logo.

He appeared on Friday in Manhattan Federal Court to plead guilty to misdemeanour criminal contempt. He faces up to six months in jail when he is sentenced July 16. Prosecutors said in court they would be seeking jail time.

As he pleaded guilty, Fairey said he lied for more than eight months when he contended in a lawsuit that he did not use one of the AP's photos as the basis for the Obama poster.

Fairey explained he destroyed documents and created others to perpetuate the lie.

"I was ashamed I did those things, and I knew I should have corrected my actions, but as time passed I found it more and more difficult to admit my actions," the New York Daily News quoted him as telling Magistrate Judge Frank Maas.

"Violating the court's trust was the worst thing I have ever done in my life.

"I was and am ashamed I did all these things," he said.

Fairey settled the AP lawsuit, agreeing to pay the media organization compensation for use of the photo. (ANI)