A YouTuber known for documenting the life of what he describes as America’s ‘most inbred’ family has announced he is severing ties with them after uncovering deceit.
Photographer Mark Laita first encountered the Whittaker family in 2004 during a visit to their residence in Odd, West Virginia.
Maintaining a connection with the reclusive family for two decades, Laita began sharing their story in 2020 through his YouTube channel.
The videos, featured on the Soft White Underbelly YouTube channel, offer insights into the daily lives of the farm-based Whittakers, labeled as the ‘most inbred family’ in the United States.
However, tensions have arisen between Laita and the Whittakers, particularly over the staged death of their 67-year-old patriarch, Larry Whittaker.
Laita was reportedly informed that Larry had suffered a heart attack.
In tribute to Larry, Laita allegedly donated $1,000 for funeral expenses, only to discover that Larry was still alive.
The truth about Larry’s supposed death emerged in a YouTube video titled ‘The Death of Larry Whittaker’.
In this video, Larry is seen discussing the rumors of his demise. When questioned about the news, he responded: “No, I just heard of it last night on a video.”
Laita revealed that he had given money to Larry’s daughter, BJ, for the funeral. She later admitted her lies and apologized to Laita.
Despite forgiving her, the situation between Laita and the Whittakers has deteriorated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enlJ8qRy7X8
Laita reportedly provided an additional $700, which Larry allegedly misrepresented.
Larry claimed the funds were to help BJ move to North Carolina, but it was discovered that the money was not used as intended.
In a recent update titled Spring 2024, Mark spoke with Larry’s cousin, Jason Whittaker, regarding the matter.
“I said ‘As long as you’re taking your daughter to North Carolina to get her away from your family then I can continue my relationship with you guys, but I don’t want to be part of you guys if everyone’s lying to me’. And Larry goes: ‘Yeah, I’m gonna take her tonight’.”
He continued: “Now I know that even Kenneth is lying to me, they are all lying to me so I’m done with them.”
Laita noted the family had been receiving state assistance before he began documenting their lives.
Speaking to Jason, he expressed: “I don’t know what to do with them other than just walk away.” Jason concurred: “That’s the best thing to do, just wash your hands of them.”