Salsa dance teacher, 26, is dubbed 'Mr Covid' by his mates after his picture is used as the face of the coronavirus pandemic without his knowledge
- Jeremy Tang was backpacking in Serbia when he was approached for photos
- Images of him are being used for coronavirus advertising across the world
- The 26-year-old said he was shocked at seeing his photo advertised everywhere
- The dance teacher hopes to build a portfolio from ads and land a modelling gig
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
A salsa dance teacher has unwittingly become the face of the coronavirus pandemic after his stock picture was used to illustrate several articles about isolation.
Jeremy Tang, from Sydney, was surprised when his image was used to illustrate a man in self-isolation by a bank and several news websites.
The 26-year-old agreed to take part in a stock photoshoot two years ago while he was living in Serbia to make some extra cash.
He was offered 100 euros, which at the time was an entire month's rent so he took the opportunity.
'The photographer wanted to add some diversity as there are not that many Asians or Africans in Serbia,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
'I was broke at the time and was nearing the end of my trip and 100 euros is like a month's worth of rent in Serbia.'
One of the original images of Jeremy Tang shows him on the couch playing on the phone with a dog nuzzling his ear
The second original photo of Mr Tang shows him looking exasperated with a laptop open near him
He said he's always wanted to do some modelling as a hobby and took the photographer up on her offer.
'I really enjoy it - it was just something I've always wanted to do and I think it was a good opportunity.
'I don't regret it at all it was super fun.'
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The two images that went viral show Mr Tang on the couch playing with his phone with a dog next to him.
The other image shows an exasperated Mr Tang, leaning his head on his hand with a laptop open nearby.
Two years on, Mr Tang has been surprised to find himself illustrating articles about the coronavirus.
Mr Tang was shocked to find his photos used for coronavirus advertising in Australia (Pictured - ANZ coronavirus ad)
The dance teacher was shocked to find his face was used for coronavirus advertising
A college used Mr Tang's photos to promote free courses for students
Appearing in coronavirus advertising from ANZ and Domain in Australia, as well as one in Canada.
SBS Spain has also used his image for an article, and a university in France used it for educational purposes.
From the beginning it bothered Mr Tang to be the face behind coronavirus advertising without his permission, but he soon got over it.
'It was just a phase of two days like this was getting annoying but now I'm laughing every time it comes up,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
Posting one image of himself featuring in a coronavirus advert he wrote: 'Why don't they use a non Asian guy or girl for the coronavirus advertising?'
Mr Tang said he would not waste his time responding to any racist comments as he is proud of his heritage.
'If they're ignorant I'm not going to waste my time and energy on them to explain and carry on with my life.'
Mr Tang hopes to build up a profile and pick up a few modelling gigs once everything settles down.
He said he will use all the advertising materials in his portfolio and show them that, 'look hey I was on Domain, ANZ and SBS'.
Mr Tang hopes to build up a profile and pick up a few modelling gigs once everything settles down
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