He didn’t ask them permission nor ask what they felt the joke was worth. He just used it and then told them what they’d be getting in return.
If I took your phone and then sent you a check for $500, you’d probably still consider it to be stolen. I didn’t “buy” your phone because you never agreed to give it to me.
I don’t see it as theft if he paid them - albeit after the fact.
He didn’t ask them permission nor ask what they felt the joke was worth. He just used it and then told them what they’d be getting in return.
If I took your phone and then sent you a check for $500, you’d probably still consider it to be stolen. I didn’t “buy” your phone because you never agreed to give it to me.
Considering my phone cost 150 bucks is be happy.