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Man Accused In Lettuce Lake Bigfoot Scandal Denies Allegations, Claims Video is Real!

Thursday, February 12, 2015 16:12
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(Before It's News)

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Justin Arnold, one of the individuals accused of hoaxing the Lettuce Lake Skunk Ape video, has reached out to us with his side of the story. He’s not only denying the accusations made against him, (which can be seen here) but is also claiming the video is real. He has given us permission to post the following:

 

“I wanted to comment on the false allegations published about me by the BFRO. The lettuce lake skunk ape video is real and BFRO’s debunking is irresponsible, unfounded and misleading. Those accusing me of being part of an elaborate hoax never contacted me or got statements from any of the people slandered in the “report.” That alone should cause you to question the entire approach. All they had to do was ask and I would have answered. They didn’t even try. To the readers of this, now like a credible report, you’ll hear both sides. 

To address their accusations, first of all, yes, I have done faux taxidermy. If that’s enough for you to put me in a gorilla suit, read no further. In your mind my guilt has already been decided. Secondly, yes, I have painted many pictures depicting the skunk ape. When I was a child I was hiking with my grandfather in Green Swamp I saw a skunk ape. The experience was incredible and it always stuck with me. Like most artists, I use my personal experiences in my work. Does my depiction resemble the photo taken by John Rodriguez last month? Yes. If it’s a hoax did the perpetrator take influence from my art? It would appear so. Did he photograph the same or similar skunk ape that I saw as a child? Equally possible.

 

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Arnold’s artwork left, Rodriguez skunk ape photo right.

Do I know a Matt, the one who filmed the skunk ape in Lettuce Lake? Yes. He has heard my skunk ape story and seen my artwork. Do I believe he legitimately filmed this? Yes. Does this video depict a skunk ape? I am undecided. Matt actually showed me his video disbelieving it himself. I encouraged him to send it out for evaluation and he reluctantly did so. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with healthy skepticism. I regret what has since happened to him since. A reckless, grossly negligent report that has even incited multiple death threats against him.

I’ll also remind you, most skunk ape and bigfoot videos, photographs and sightings never see the light of day. Probably because they see situations like this. I was glad that I was close enough to the situation to influence his decision to come forward. I regret that his initial fears came true. 

So, I say shame on those that choose that route and suggest that they hold themselves to a higher standard in the future. I believe many members of the aforementioned organization do their research responsibly and in good faith. The actions of a few does not give me disdain for all. 

So, based on all the information, make your own determinations. For many, their minds are made up. That’s fine. I’m not someone deeply immersed in the bigfoot culture and looking for publicity. I would have been quite happy just painting skunk apes in my room. 
Well, Happy hunting, Justin”

Justin also included a new painting he has done, titled “Titans of the Swamp”
 

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The video that started it all below:
 

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