A filmmaker working on a documentary about a family known for inbreeding in America has revealed feeling betrayed by the family’s actions.
Mark Laita, the filmmaker, established contact with the Whittaker family in 2004. Over the years, he produced multiple videos documenting their lives, including clips like ‘Christmas with the Whittakers’ and ‘The Whittaker family cemetery’. However, the journey has not been without challenges.
The Whittaker family, labeled by Laita as “the most well-known inbred family in the United States,” has a history of inbreeding stemming from marriages between children of identical twin brothers. This practice has resulted in subsequent generations facing severe health issues.
Initially, the Whittakers from Odd, West Virginia, were hesitant to engage with Laita, with one family member reportedly brandishing a gun during an early encounter.
During an interview on The Koncrete Klips podcast, Laita shared his initial unsettling experience with the family, likening it to a scene from the movie Deliverance. Despite facing challenges, Laita gradually gained their trust by immersing himself in their unique lifestyle. However, tensions arose when Laita accused the family of fabricating a death, leading to a rift in their relationship.
In a YouTube video titled ‘The Death of Larry Whittaker,’ Laita exposed the deception surrounding the supposed passing of Larry, who was later found to be alive. The family member involved in the scheme eventually admitted to the deceit, prompting an apology.
Despite the rocky history, Laita continued to visit and support the Whittakers, even contributing towards their recovery after a fire destroyed their mobile home.
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