For over 70 years, the The Whittaker family of Odd, West Virginia has lived together as a close-knit unit, supporting one another through life’s challenges. This family, whose members live with intellectual disabilities, has known no other way of life than being together.

Several years ago, their private lives were thrust into the public spotlight after being filmed and exploited by a YouTube channel. They were labeled the “world’s most inbred family,” a title that stripped them of dignity and humanity. Since then, outside involvement has led to the forced removal of three vulnerable family members, Ray, Lorraine, and timmy Whittaker who have now been placed in a care facility.

While the intentions may have been to “help,” this action has torn apart a family that has relied on one another for decades. For individuals who have only ever known the comfort and familiarity of their family home, such separation is not only traumatic but potentially harmful to their well-being.

We, the undersigned, call upon the State of West Virginia to reconsider this separation and allow the Whittaker family to be reunited. Families, regardless of circumstance, deserve to remain together when it is safe to do so. After enduring a lifetime of hardship and exploitation, this family deserves compassion, respect, and the right to live together in peace.

We urge West Virginia officials to:

Reevaluate the decision that led to this separation.
Prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of the family members.
Explore alternatives that allow the family to remain together with appropriate community or state support.

Keeping the Whittaker family together is not only a matter of human rights — it is a matter of dignity and compassion.

Update:

We understand that allegations of abuse were part of the reason the State intervened. However, separating vulnerable family members from all of their loved ones can cause additional harm to their mental and emotional well-being. We believe the best path forward is to ensure they remain with safe, non-abusive family members, so they can continue to have the comfort and stability of being together while also receiving proper protection and care.

thank you.