Balloon Boy a Hoax? Falcon Heene Tells CNN: “We Did This For the Show”

Now that Balloon Boy is safe, the question seems to be turning to: Was this whole thing a hoax? An interview last night on CNN is raising all sorts of questions.Asked why he didn’t respond to his family calling his name, Falcon says, “You guys [his parents] said we did this for the show.” His parents, seemingly stunned by the answer, quickly try to change the story.

Falcon’s disappearance from his home in Colorado has generated huge media interest in the US and across the world. The unfolding drama was broadcast live on television with millions glued to the news as the balloon floated for 50 miles before it came to rest in a field, where several paramedics and rescue teams pounced on the craft. Falcon was found not to be inside the balloon and, two hours later, he was discovered safe and well hiding the garage of his home.

CNN interviewer Wolf Blitzer later asked Richard Heene what his son had meant when he said,”You guys said that … we did this for the show.”

After a long delay, Mr. Heene replied: “I can see the direction you guys are hedging on this,” he said.

“I’m kind of appalled after all the feelings that I went through … that you guys are trying to suggest something else.”

He further explained that Falcon’s use of the word “show” was some reference to the family’s appearance on a television program.

Despite Mr. Heene’s denial, Falcon’s comment has set the internet ablaze with speculation that the entire episode was a hoax.

Mr. Heene maintained that he did not know his son was safe during the drama, saying the incident occurred when after he scolded Falcon for getting inside a compartment on the craft.

He said Falcon’s brother saw him inside the compartment and that’s why they thought he was aboard the balloon when it launched.

But the boy had fled to the garage, climbing a pole into the rafters and hiding in a cardboard box.

“I yelled at him. I’m really sorry I yelled at him,” Mr Heene said, choking up and hugging Falcon to him during a news conference.

“I was in the attic and he scared me because he yelled at me,” Falcon said. “That’s why I went in the attic.”

 {Noam Amdurski-Matzav.com Newscenter/The Telegraph}