Fake? Story of girl getting kicked out of KFC because of scars reportedly a hoax



JACKSON, Miss -- The story of a little girl getting kicked out of a Mississippi KFC because her facial scars were frightening customers was a hoax, according to a new report.

Victoria Welcher and her grandmother were allegedly kicked out of a Mississippi KFC because the girl's facial scars from a recent dog attack were upsetting patrons. The story sparked nationwide outrage as media outlets across the globe covered the little girl's tale.

Quickly, the girl and her grandmother received charity, with KFC donating $30,000 to Victoria's family, and a GoFundMe page raising more than $100,000. A surgeon even offered to perform Victoria's surgery for free.

Three-year-old Victoria was attacked by relatives’ dogs, resulting in extensive scarring on her face.



But according to the Clarion-Ledger, the incident never happened.

A source who reviewed security footage said the little girl and her grandmother were never in the restaurant. Employees -- who have received death threats since the story broke -- say they would never kick anyone out.

Investigators will continue to look into the case, and KFC has said it will donate the money to the little girl's family, even if the story is fake.

Late Tuesday, CNN reported that two investigations took place, including one by an independent investigator, and neither revealed any evidence that the incident occurred, KFC spokesman Rick Maynard said in an e-mailed statement.

The family-maintained Facebook page called Victoria's Victories was taken down Tuesday, but before that happened somebody posted this:

"I promise its not a hoax, I never thought any of this would blow up the way it has. ... Please do not believe untrue media. I have personally watched this family go without to provide for Victoria. They have not and would not do anything to hurt Victoria in any way."

Despite repeated calls by CNN, neither the family nor the family's lawyer could be reached for comment.