The photographer of the image used to illustrate Donald Trump Jr.’s controversial tweet comparing Syrian refugees to poison Skittles has revealed himself to be a former refugee.
“This was not done with my permission, I don’t support Trump’s politics and I would never take his money to use it,” David Kittos, who is now a British citizen, told BBC Tuesday. “In 1974, when I was six-years old, I was a refugee from the Turkish occupation of Cyprus so I would never approve the use of this image against refugees.”
The son of the Republican presidential candidate posted a tweet Monday with a photograph of the colorful candies with the text: “If I had a bowl of Skittles and I told you just three would kill you, would you take a handful? That’s our Syrian refugee problem.” Donald Trump Jr. added to the political statement by writing in the tweet: “This image says it all. Let’s end the politically correct agenda that doesn’t put America first.”
Kittos said he is dismayed that a picture he took in January 2010 is being used being used for for a political agenda with which he disagrees.
“This was six years ago when there were no Syrian refugees at the time and it was never done with the intention of spreading a political message,” said Kittos. “I would like the Trump campaign to delete the image, but they are probably not interested in what I have to say.”
Kittos said he is not sure if he will pursue legal action, but said the only color the Trump family cares about is green.
“This isn’t about the money for me. They could have just bought a cheap image from a micro stock library. This is pure greed from them. I don’t think they care about my feelings. They should not be stealing an image full stop.”
