America’s ‘most inbred family’ have issued an apology to the man who uncovered them.
Photographer Mark Laita discovered the Whittaker family about 20 years ago, but he didn’t start filming their lives right away.
He stayed in contact with them and went back to their home in Odd, West Virginia, to begin filming in 2020.
\The family consists of three siblings named Lorraine, Timmy, and Ray. Their parents were reportedly first cousins.
After the Whittaker family appeared on Mark Laita’s Soft White Underbelly YouTube channel, they got a lot of attention and were labeled as “the most inbred family” in the U.S.
Although Mark had a good relationship with them, he decided to end it after discovering they had been lying to him.
The family told Mark that 67-year-old Larry Whittaker had died earlier this year. Mark helped them raise money for the funeral and even gave $1,000 of his own money.
However, Larry wasn’t actually dead. When Mark found out, the family apologized for lying, but they went on to deceive him again.
The photographer, Mark Laita, gave Larry Whittaker $700 to help him take his daughter BJ to North Carolina to start a new life. But Larry didn’t do that and kept the money for himself.
Even though Mark said he wasn’t going to see the Whittakers anymore, he visited them over the summer. He filmed the visit and posted it on YouTube this month. In the video, Larry shakes Mark’s hand and apologizes for everything that happened.
“It’s been a long time,” Larry says to Mark. “I’m sorry for what they did to you, and I want to tell the world that I’m sorry.”
Mark accepts the apology and says he missed them. “I’m very good at forgiving and understanding,” Mark shared. “I’ve missed you guys, and I think my viewers have missed you too.” He even joked that the Whittakers probably missed the money they made from being on his YouTube channel.
Now that they’re on speaking terms again, Mark set up another GoFundMe for the family in late August. So far, the page has raised a little over $600 out of a $100,000 goal. The money will go toward helping the family with living expenses and taking care of their home.
3 Amazing Inheritance Stories with Unexpected Twists
When loved ones pass, they leave more than possessions. These three stories reveal how unexpected inheritances unveil secrets, painful truths, and life-changing lessons, showing that true legacy isn’t always material.
In these stories, the real gifts were life’s most valuable lessons, far beyond money.
1. Inherited Grandma’s Old Clocks While My Greedy Brother Got the House**
My grandma Marlene was my rock. When I visited her, my brother Brian was already there, showing only greed. She left him the house and me her “worthless” clocks. But those clocks, rare and old, were worth $200,000. Grandma’s true legacy wasn’t in property but in her love and thoughtfulness.
2. Grandma’s Will Left Me Nothing Until I Discovered Her Secret Plan**
My grandma left her farm to my sister Felicity but allowed me to live there. Felicity’s greed soon surfaced, and even a fire didn’t stop me from honoring Grandma’s wishes. Eventually, the lawyer revealed that the farm truly belonged to me. Grandma’s test revealed Felicity’s nature and confirmed my devotion.
3. Grandfather Left Me an Apiary and a Treasure Map**
My Grandpa left me his apiary, knowing it held more value than money. Initially reluctant, I followed a hidden map he left, learning patience and persistence. His final note reminded me that wealth lies in hard work and love. Today, I pass his lessons on to my son, teaching the value of true legacy.
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