Was Balloon Boy's Whirlwind Day All for "Show"?

Appearance on Larry King Live becomes controversial after Falcon Heene suggests his parents told him to pull the wayward balloon stunt

By Megan Masters Oct 16, 2009 5:06 AMTags

Has the nation been duped by a balloon-wielding evil genius? Did little 6-year-old Falcon Heene have us right where he wanted, enthralled with our local news stations and hoping for his safe landing?

Unlikely perhaps, but doubts were raised after the boy and his former Wife Swap-ing parents were interviewed by CNN's Wolf Blitzer early Thursday night. After young Falcon admitted to hearing his parents call his name while he hid in the attic, he was asked why he didn't come out. His response?

"You guys said that we did this for a show."

And that's got people talking. 

As Blitzer attempted a follow-up question later in the interview, the newsman was scolded by Falcon's father, Richard Heene.

Following Larry King Live, Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden told reporters, "It has raised some questions. Our personnel who were dealing with the family all day are convinced this is a legitimate incident and this is not a hoax."

Nonetheless, Adlerdan will send investigators back to the Heene household to further question the family and "resolve this issue."

Richard Heene himself disputed he masterminded any warped publicity stunt to a local news crew.

"The media had asked the sheriff's department these questions about this publicity stunt crap. And everything that I went through, everything my wife has gone through, I just find that just disgusting," he huffed.

Well, it has been a show. And at least as far as the fate of Falcon, one with a happy ending. 

Just don't expect this story to deflate anytime soon.

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