On Tuesday, the family of the 3-year-old girl who reportedly was asked to leave a Jackson, Miss., KFC due to injuries on her face dispelled rumors claiming the incident was a hoax.
"I promise it's not a hoax. I never thought any of this would blow up the way it has. The article circling the web calling this a hoax is untrue," the family said in a status update on the "Victoria's Victories" Facebook page, which has since been removed, according to The Laurel Leader-Call.
Investigations into the case did not reveal any evidence that KFC told Victoria Wilcher and her grandmother to leave the fast food restaurant May 15, 2014 because other patrons were disturbed by her appearance. The two reportedly ate a meal that day following a visit to the doctor's office to treat wounds the young girl sustained during a pitbull attack. Three of Wilcher's grandfather's 10 pitbulls charged at the girl in April, severely injuring her.
"Like the rest of America, the KFC family has been moved by the story of Victoria's injuries and recovery," said a KFC spokesman. "After the alleged incident was reported to us, two investigations took place, including one by an independent investigator. Neither revealed any evidence the incident occurred and we consider the investigation closed. We are honoring our commitment to make a $30,000 donation to assist with Victoria's medical bills. We hope everyone keeps Victoria in their thoughts and prayers. She will certainly be in ours."
Anonymous sources told The Laurel Leader-Call that Wilcher's family reportedly made professionals and citizens pay for over $135,000 in cash, gifts, and surgeries. KFC analyzed the matter to the fullest extent possible to get to the bottom of the case.
"We continue to take this report seriously, and of course have great sympathy for Victoria and her family," said Kirk Hannon, the owner of the Jackson, Miss., KFC location. "Since we have so far not been able to verify the incident in our internal investigation, we have also hired a third-party consultant to conduct an independent investigation to help us resolve this matter."
"We have always prided ourselves on respect for all people and we will continue to emphasize this to all our employees," Hannon added. "In addition, regardless of the outcome of the current investigation, KFC Corporation has committed $30,000 to assist with Victoria's medical bills. Along with the KFC Corporation, we are determined to get to the truth, and address the situation appropriately."
