George Zimmerman Is Suing Trayvon Martin’s Family For More Than $100 Million

Zimmerman is claiming he was a victim of conspiracy, along with malicious prosecution and defamation.

George Zimmerman is suing Trayvon Martin’s family and others for more than $100 million.

Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watch volunteer in Florida, was arrested for shooting and killing unarmed 17-year-old Martin nearly eight years ago.

Zimmerman claimed he was defending himself when he fatally shot the teenager, who was wearing a hoodie and holding Skittles. Zimmerman, who was acquitted on all charges, is now claiming he was the victim of a conspiracy, along with malicious prosecution and defamation.

The allegations in the lawsuit revealed on Wednesday are reportedly based on a book-turned-movie claiming the Martin case was a “hoax.” The film was scheduled to be released the same day as the lawsuit, but the theater hosting it tweeted that it “was not aware of all of the details surrounding this event and has made a decision to cancel it.” Zimmerman and his lawyer, Larry Klayman, allege that Rachel Jeantel, who testified about being on the phone with Martin before he was shot, was an imposter.

Klayman has defended a number of controversial cases, including conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi and a “birther” lawsuit from a South Florida man falsely arguing former President Obama was not born in the U.S.

The Martin family’s attorney, Benjamin Crump, said in a statement, “I have every confidence that this unfounded and reckless lawsuit will be revealed for what it is — another failed attempt to defend the indefensible and a shameless attempt to profit off the lives and grief of others.” Activists are also aptly trying to redirect the media focus toward Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, who is running for county commissioner in Miami.

Martin’s family also set up a foundation in his honor.