Many on social media compared the photo to Donald Trump's 'mug shot', taken in Fulton County Jail in Georgia after he was charged with attempting to overturn his 2020 election loss - a charge Trump denies.

Photography YouTuber Jared Polin said that he discussed the portrait with Mr Torok and was told the mug shot did provide inspiration.

"The mug shot photo was one of the most searched images, maybe ever," Polin claims Mr Torok said. Mr Torok did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.

The mug shot, taken in 2023, became part of US culture, adorning everything from coffee cups to T-shirts.