The story about three-year-old Victoria Welcher, who was allegedly told to leave a Kentucky Fried Chicken because she was scaring other customers due to injuries she sustained after a dog attack, is apparently a hoax, a source close to the investigation told Laurel Leader-Call.
After the story went viral, the fast food chain donated $30,000 to help the toddler’s family with medical bills. The source said the restaurant decided to hire a third party investigator after details about the incident did not add up.
KFC released a statement Friday stating it will continue to take the investigation seriously, but it has not been able to verify the incident.
“We are determined to get the truth and address the situation appropriately.”
The source also said that surveillance videos from the day of the alleged incident show no one who matches the description of the toddler or her grandmother in the store.
Also, no order transactions match what the grandmother said they ordered, sweet tea and mashed potatoes.
The family also initially posted on Facebook that “if you would like to file a complaint” it is the State Street location in Jackson, Miss. The source said that location has been closed for years.
The family has allegedly received over $135,000 in donations along with gifts and offers for free surgeries.
Laurel Leader-Call said attempts to reach the family were unsuccessful.