Questions are swirling about a family’s report of a three-year-old dog attack victim they say was asked to leave a KFC because of scars to her face.
Victoria Wilcher’s grandmother said she and Victoria were asked to leave a KFC in Jackson, Mississippi because the little girl’s appearance was upsetting other customers. Victoria’s face was badly scarred and she had a patch on one eye because she had been attacked by three dogs.
The company responded with a swift apology, and offer of $30,000 to help with Victoria’s medical bills. A Las Vegas surgeon also said he was so moved by her story that he offered free reconstructive surgery for little Victoria.
The Laurel Leader-Call reported sources told them the KFC store security video did not show Victoria or her grandmother in the KFC locations near a hospital they visited the same day, and that KFC receipts did not confirm the sweet tea and mashed potatoes order the grandmother said she bought. The report also said the KFC location mentioned on the Victoria’s Victories Facebook page has actually been closed for several years.
A relative who operates that Facebook page reportedly said the location confusion was simply her mistake. The Laurel Leader-Call report said their unidentified source claimed there was no mistake, that “It just didn’t happen.”
The Leader-Call report alleged the family collected more than $135,000 in cash as well as gifts and free surgeries.
WJTV reported KFC Corporation would keep their promise of $30,000 to help with Victoria’s medical bills, regardless of the outcome of the investigation into what happened.
An update on the Victoria’s Victories Facebook page denies allegations of a hoax, saying, “The family has not asked for anything, a attorney is handling all the media publicity for the family pro bono. Please do not believe untrue media.”