A Jackson, Miss., Kentucky Fried Chicken is giving a Mississippi family $30,000 compensation, after employees reportedly asked a three-year old girl to leave the establishment because cuts on her face frightened customers.
Victoria Wilcher was eating at the KFC location with her grandmother last week, after going to the doctor for treatment of wounds sustained during a recent vicious dog attack. Three of Wilcher's grandfather 10 pitbulls charged at the girl in April, severely injuring her.
Other customers became uncomfortable, Wilcher's grandmother, Victoria Mullins, told television station WAPT.
"I took her to the doctor and I went to KFC. I ordered a large sweet tea and her some mashed potatoes and gravy because she was hungry. She was on a feeding tube at the time, but I figured she could just swallow (the potatoes)," Mullins recalled. "They just told us, they said, 'We have to ask you to leave because her face is disrupting our customers.' [Victoria] understood exactly what they said... When we go to a store, she doesn't even want to get out (of the car). She's 3 years old and she's embarrassed about what she looks like. She's embarrassed and I hate it because she shouldn't be. It ain't her fault."
The money will help Victoria Wilcher's family pay her medical bills, news reports stated. The Wilchers now have $134,000, thanks to a GoFundMe page created to add extra money to help pay the expenses.
KFC is also looking into the ordeal, and staff members have expressed their regret for the actions of the restaurant's employees.
"KFC launched an investigation as soon as we were made aware of this report," said Rick Maynard, a company spokesman in a prepared statement. "We take this very seriously, as we have zero tolerance for any kind of hurtful or disrespectful actions toward our guests. Our investigation is ongoing, but we have been in touch with the family and are committed to doing something appropriate for this beautiful little girl and her family. We will also work with the franchisee to take appropriate action at the restaurant once the specifics of the incident are determined."
