 |
Falcon HeeneA small participant in a big deception
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Falcon Heene: The Boy Who Started a Hoax
- The Balloon Boy Hoax
- The Motive: A Reality Show
- Legal Consequences
- The Parents: Richard and Mayumi Heene
- The Hoax's Impact
Falcon Heene: The Boy Who Started a Hoax
On October 15, 2009, a six-year-old boy named Falcon Heene allegedly flew away in a homemade helium balloon. The incident captured worldwide attention, as the balloon, shaped like a flying saucer, reached an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet.
The Balloon Boy Hoax
However, hours later, the balloon was found empty, raising suspicions that the incident had been staged. Falcon was found hiding in his attic, and his parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, admitted that they had orchestrated the hoax to draw attention to themselves.
The Motive: A Reality Show
Falcon's response to reporters upon being discovered further fueled the hoax theory. He stated that his hiding was part of a plan to get his family on a reality television show. The Heenes had previously appeared on another reality show, and Balloon Boy's flight was allegedly intended to boost their fame.
Legal Consequences
Following an investigation, Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden revealed that the incident was a criminal offense. Richard Heene pleaded guilty in November 2009 and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 100 hours of community service. Mayumi Heene also received a 20-day jail sentence for providing false information to authorities. The family was ordered to pay $42,000 in restitution and issue an apology to the agencies involved in the search.
The Parents: Richard and Mayumi Heene
Richard Heene and Mayumi Iizuka met in an acting class in Hollywood and married in 1997. Richard had pursued an unsuccessful career in acting and stand-up comedy. After the roof of his workplace collapsed in a hurricane, he became an amateur storm chaser, often involving his children in his expeditions.
The Hoax's Impact
The Balloon Boy incident generated significant online activity. Blogs and social media platforms parodied and mocked the event, even during the initial uncertainty about Falcon's fate. The phrase "Balloon Boy" became the top Google search within hours, reaching 34th place in the Google Top 40.
