A filmmaker documenting the story of a family known for inbreeding in America revealed feeling betrayed by the family members. Mark Laita, who started interacting with the Whittakers in 2004, shared updates through YouTube videos like ‘Christmas season with the Whittakers’ and ‘The Whittaker family cemetery.’ The Whittakers, dubbed “the most popular inbred family in the United States” by Laita, have a history of inbreeding stemming from marriages between descendants of twin brothers, leading to severe disabilities in later generations.
Initially hesitant to cooperate, the Whittakers from Odd, West Virginia, showed suspicion, with one family member reportedly aiming a gun at Laita during an initial encounter. Laita described his first impression of the family as reminiscent of a scene from the unsettling movie Deliverance, with eccentric behaviors and unsettling interactions.
Gradually gaining their trust, Laita delved into the unique lifestyle of the Whittakers. However, tensions arose when Laita accused them of fabricating the death of a family member, Larry, from a heart attack. Despite making a generous donation towards Larry’s funeral, Laita discovered that Larry was alive, leading to a rift between them. The deception was exposed in a video titled ‘The Death of Larry Whittaker,’ where Larry was seen discussing the fake death incident.
Despite the deception, Laita continued his visits to the Whittakers and supported them during a fire that destroyed their mobile home. The relationship seems to have mended, indicating a resolution to past conflicts.
