Fairey was ordered to pay $ 25,000 in fines in a dispute that dates back to 2009 , when he brought a federal lawsuit against AP , claiming that he was entitled to use the image under the fair use doctrine , according to a statement by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York . Shepard Fairey pleaded guilty to criminal contempt of court in February . The artist was charged with violating a federal law that prohibits the use of government property for commercial purposes. In his civil complaint , Fairey claimed to have used a photo of Obama and George Clooney .
Shepard Fairey pleaded guilty to criminal contempt of court in February . The artist was charged with violating a federal law that prohibits the use of government property for commercial purposes. In his civil complaint , Fairey claimed to have used a photo of Obama and George Clooney .