Photographer Faces Boycott, Outrage Over His Threats To Sue For Photo Of Murdered Girl

Another person captured the prevailing anger, writing:” A little girl is lying in her grave, and this photographer is concerned with licensing, fees and copyright issues. Shame on you, Jon Wolf.”

Wolf is now quickly backpedalling. He offered an apology on his blog and said his actions had been misunderstood. He claimed: “At no time did I intend to profit personally from this tragedy.”

His earlier statement that he was donating a “portion” of the proceeds, and his lawyer’s actions contacting various media companies, however, have left a large number of people not believing that statement.

Wolf not only has the public furious at him, but Green’s family is also angry and issued a statement condemning his actions.

What’s more, a charity that Wolf said was going to get a “portion” of his earnings has now told him to keep his money – they want nothing to do with him.

The little girl was murdered in Jared Loughner’s rampage where Giffords was shot. In the aftermath, Green’s family gave a local newspaper a framed photograph of the child and eventually that photo was run by numerous national outlets to illustrate the face of the horrible tragedy.

But Wolf then attempted to cash in because he owned the copyright to the photo. He hired a lawyer, and according to the newspaper chain Gannett Company he demanded $125,000 from them.

Gannett agreed to pay a regular licensing fee but refuses to shell out the big bucks Wolf sought.

In the legal letter seen by RadarOnline.com, Wolf is cc’d by his lawyer, who writes: “You have employed our client’s image without his permission…we intend to institute suit against your company and any other appropriate defendants.” The lawyer then says the matter can be resolved without a lawsuit and gives the media company seven days to comply with an extensive list of demands. RadarOnline.com confirmed that Wolf, through his attorney, sought payment for the photograph which was used as a very small image in an article about the tragedy.

Tucson, Arizona children’s charity Tu Nidito was told by Wolf that he would donate a portion of his profits to them. Liz McCusker, the executive director of the charity, did not know Wolf was intending to sue outlets when he made his donation offer. When McCusker found out, she told him she didn’t want the money.

She said the charity “did not want to be associated with that kind of action,” according to AZcentral.com.

Green’s parents apparently signed a release form for Wolf within three days after the death of their daughter but say they didn’t understand his intentions, and they are furious at him.

“It’s not right. People are angry at him and they should be,” said John Green, the father of the murdered child.

The family released a statement saying Wolf’s action showed poor tasted, especially while they are still grieving, according to the Web report.