A filmmaker working on a documentary about a family known for inbreeding in America has revealed that he was misled by the family members. Mark Laita, the filmmaker, established contact with the Whittaker family in 2004. Over the years, he shared updates on YouTube, including videos like ‘Christmas season with the Whittakers’, ‘The Whittaker family cemetery’, and ‘The Whittakers go to the state fair’. Despite his efforts, there were challenges along the way.
The Whittaker family, referred to by Laita as “the most popular inbred family in the United States,” has a history of inbreeding stemming from marriages between children of identical twin brothers. This practice has led to generations of descendants facing severe disabilities.
Initially, the Whittakers from Odd, West Virginia, were hesitant to engage with Laita, with one family member reportedly brandishing a gun during their first encounter. Laita shared his initial impressions of the family during an appearance on The Koncrete Klips podcast, likening the experience to a scene from the unsettling film, Deliverance.
Despite the initial challenges, Laita gradually built rapport with the family, learning about their unique lifestyle and gaining their trust. However, tensions arose when Laita accused the Whittakers of fabricating the death of a family member named Larry. Laita even made a $1,000 donation towards what he believed was Larry’s funeral, only to discover later that Larry was alive.
In a YouTube video titled ‘The Death of Larry Whittaker,’ Laita exposed the deception, showing footage of Larry discussing his supposed death. Larry denied involvement in the scheme, claiming he learned about it from a video.
Although the incident initially caused friction, relations seem to have improved since then. Laita continued visiting the Whittakers, offering support, including assistance when their mobile home caught fire.
If you have a story to share, you can reach out via email at julia.banim@reachplc.com.