Mark Laita, a documentary filmmaker, shares a story of encountering what he refers to as “America’s most inbred family,” the Whittakers. Laita’s engagement with the Whittakers dates back to 2004, and he has since provided updates through various videos on YouTube, such as ‘Christmas season with the Whittakers’ and ‘The Whittaker family cemetery.’ However, the journey has not been without challenges.
The Whittakers, labeled by Laita as “the most popular inbred family in the United States,” lead a unique life marked by a history of inbreeding that originated from marriages between children of identical twin brothers. This practice continued through generations, resulting in numerous descendants facing severe disabilities.
Initially, the Whittakers, residents of Odd, West Virginia, were hesitant to interact with Laita, with one family member reportedly drawing a gun during an initial encounter due to suspicion.
During an appearance on The Koncrete Klips podcast, Laita shared his initial impressions of the Whittakers, likening the experience to a scene from the unsettling film, Deliverance. He described encountering individuals with erratic behavior and unsettling appearances, making it one of the most bizarre experiences he had witnessed.
Despite initial challenges, Laita gradually built rapport with the Whittakers, delving into their unusual lifestyle and gaining their trust. However, tensions arose when Laita accused the family of fabricating the death of Larry, a member of the clan, from a heart attack. Laita, moved by the supposed loss, made a $1,000 donation towards Larry’s funeral, only to discover later that Larry was alive.
In a YouTube video titled ‘The Death of Larry Whittaker,’ Laita revealed footage of a living Larry discussing the fake news of his demise, clarifying that he was unaware of the deception until recently.
Laita disclosed that he had given the donation to Larry’s daughter, known as BJ, under the pretense of funeral expenses. BJ confessed to the deceit in the video and extended an apology.
Despite the deception, Laita continued his visits with the Whittakers, even extending help when their mobile home was destroyed in a fire.
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