What leads you to believe that this is true? Did you spend a second to try and uncover the truth about this original picture? This might help:
Veteran photographer Steve Schapiro reveals the tale behind one of his most extraordinary images of David Bowie imitating his hero Buster Keaton
https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/8840/david-bowie-and-buster-keaton-by-steve-schapiro
I wouldn't really describe myself as a fan of David Bowie, or his music for that matter, but I do find this photo to be authentically touching. An homage to a truly talented performer that he appreciated.
This compared to the sad use of David's photo to schlock a single that can only be seen as self-promoting. An affront to the memory of the man that at least at one point Moz purportedly idolized.
Many posters here spend an equal amount of effort and energy denigrating those with negative opinions about Morrissey as they do white washing all of the BS he and his needy nephew propagate. Please try and be open-minded enough to see this when commenting on those with dissenting views even if you oppose the manner in which they are given.
About self-promotion,
From the article:
Veteran photographer, Steve Schapiro, was first Hired by Bowie's Mgmt,in 1975, to promote Bowie, by "documenting" him as he stepped into a professional acting career, with "the singer and actor frequently enlisting him to capture his ever-evolving image."
Bowie's photo holding biography of actor Buster Keaton, "was shot in his trailer on the set of [Nicolas Roeg's film] The Man Who Fell to Earth in New Mexico in 1975," Schapiro tells us."
It was Bowie's first Major film role. The film was released in 1976.
" Schapiro does concede, however, is that it was always Bowie who was In Control of a shoot's direction. "
From Schapiro:
"With a lot of people I photograph, I really have to determine what we're doing, how we're doing it, What Props we're using and Things of that sort. With David, What You See Is What He Wanted To Present."
Conclusion:
Before his big movie debut, Self-promoting Bowie, hires veteran photographer; decides on the type of prop used (Buster Keaton) , and how to stage it
, for his famous photo.. Nothing was spontaneously done, if he could help it.
Clever Bowie.
Clever Moz.