Yes, I've been following it on the local news and NPR. Apparently, he lied twice about the image's source. It makes me uneasy to think artists will do that to others, so I try to protect my work. While the internet is a great tool for advertising, it's also a great place for opportunists to steal work more easily than ever before.
what I don't understand is why the original campaigners or organization that used Fairey's image didn't properly check his source before using it.
I don't believe he significantly altered the image to make it his own. Even if he had, credit and monetary proceeds should go to the originator.
I can't count the times I've looked at blatant copies of other folks work... here and other places and marveled at the audacity of it all. Is anyone following Fairey's saga ?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33369892/ns/entertainment-arts_books_more/