George Zimmerman Takes a ‘Christ-Like’ Approach to Critics

When George Zimmerman recently agreed to participate in a “celebrity” boxing match with rapper DMX, there was a swift and negative reaction from some critics who saw it as a cynical way to exploit the notoriety he obtained from the Trayvon Martin case. A writer with The Huffington Post captured the sentiment in a post urging readers to not watch the match (which was later cancelled), because “the man who got away with killing a 17-year-old will get your money if you watch him on TV.”

What does Zimmerman think of such criticism?

Not much at all, at least according to what he told Fusion’s Derrick Ashong.

“I don’t pay attention to it, it does not affect me,” he said. “I tried to move on with my life and live the most Christ-like that I can.”

Zimmerman said he had to “do something to earn a living” and wouldn’t pay attention to the “negativity” of his critics.

He went on to express his gratitude to the Associated Press for stopping him, via a cease-and-desist letter, from selling a painting that resembled a photo taken by one the agency’s photographers. He was thankful, he said, because he can now keep the artwork himself.

“Those paintings were like a piece of me,” he said. “And that the day you sell them, that piece of me is gone.”

More from Fusion’s Derrick Ashong interview with George Zimmerman:

Derrick Ashong: Why I Interviewed George Zimmerman

George Zimmerman: I Was ‘Always Armed’

George Zimmerman on Claims He’s Racist: ‘I Don’t Defend Myself From Dragons’

George Zimmerman Says He’s ‘Absolutely’ a Victim and Hasn’t Reached Out to Trayvon Martin’s Family

Editor’s note: Fusion reached out to the Martin family and their attorney for comment, but did not receive a response by publication time.