George Zimmerman’s Fame & Fortune

George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin.

We can debate his criminal culpability, disparage (or support) his story, and argue about his choices, but nothing will change the fact that he took his gun, pulled the trigger, and killed an unarmed teenager.

To my mild surprise—and intense disgust—this has made him a minor celebrity. Not only does he tour gun factories, dominate news cycles, and sell art (at a high price), but now, he’ll be fighting rapper DMX in a celebrity boxing match. Zimmerman will be paid for this, of course, and there’s a good chance that this will help him “build a brand,” and charge for his appearance. Indeed, this might be the beginning of a lucrative career for the former neighborhood watchman; a nice byproduct of his newfound fame.

You know, the fame he gained from killing a teenager, sparking a national controversy, and getting away with it all. With supporters on one side and detractors on the other, he’s positioned to become America’s most infamous man—an O.J. Simpson for the 21st century. It’s vile.

With all of that said, I’m sure a lot of people will want to watch this display and laugh at the absurdity of all. Otherwise, there’s no reason for Damon Feldman—owner of Celebrity Boxing—to organize this farce. And honestly, that’s fine—there are worst things to do than watch this fight.

Still, if you decide to watch, you should keep one thing in mind: George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, and he will be eating off it for the rest of his life.