In a scene all too familiar to modern Americans, Duffy Odum, Atlanta's popular TV tween, was snatched at gunpoint to be reunited with his father. The incident occurred at the Snellville Boot Camp and was witnessed by his terrified Boot Camp Instructor.
According to Dick Richards, co-host of The American Music Show where Duffy is a weekly fixture, Duffy had recently been enrolled in a local Boot Camp for "behavioral problems." "First, Duffy had dropped out of Miss Singsym's grade at public school to attend home school," Richards explained. "But then, he had dropped out of home school too. We didn't know what would happen next. We thought the Snellville Boot Camp was a realistic alternative" It was there in the early predawn hours of a Saturday morning the surprise abduction occurred.
This could not have happened at a worse time for The American Music Show. "It's definitely wrecked our mood," lamented co-host Potsy Duncan An in-depth report on the show is scheduled to air next week, June 4, on Queer Television (www.qtonline.com) on Canada's City TV Television Network. The report will subsequently be available worldwide via the Internet at www.planetout.com, click on Queer Television. An Atlanta television landmark since 1981, The American Music Show is America's longest-running public access television series.
TAMS director Bud "Beebo" Lowry, fearing possible reprisals, declined comment.
A statement released by the father's lawyer, Darlister Epps, paints another picture. "Duffy has never been as happy as he is today, having been reunited with his father. Now both father and son need some time alone for healing and renewal. The press is requested to cease interfering. Photos of the happy family together will be available soon for broadcast on The American Music Show and other interested media outlets."
A sense of outrage and dismay swirls around the relatives of Duffy Odum who reside at Odum's All-Doublewide Mobile Homes Court in Palmetto (hereafter referred to as Duffy Odum's Odum's Relatives). Duffy was taken to that trailer park to live after being rescued: he was found drifting around a truck stop near Macon, Georgia. At Odum's All-Doublewide, he became friends with DeAundra Peek. He had a dog named "Blue".
A statement by Attorney General Janet Reno is expected soon.
Watch for weekly updates on The Duffy Saga every week on The American Music Show - exclusively on Atlanta's People TV, Mediaone Cable Channels 12 (old style) or 24 (Broadband and Digital).
