Antonio Brown is addressing growing controversy after raising over $80,000 on GoFundMe for Chris Louis — a 24-year-old father who was arrested for leaving his three young children, ages 10, 6, and 1, unattended at a McDonald’s in Georgia while allegedly attending a job interview.
According to authorities, a customer at the fast-food restaurant noticed the children alone on the playground and called the police. Officers arrived and arrested Louis, charging him with “deprivation of a minor.” Witnesses say he left the McDonald’s around 4:30 p.m. and returned shortly after 6:15 p.m.
Initially moved by the story, Brown took to social media to share his support.
“The story caught me by surprise. A dad just trying to find a way to make money for his family,” Brown wrote. “I know he shouldn't have just left his kids, but some people don't have the means for babysitting, etc.”
However, the police report presents a different picture. Officers say Louis was not at a job interview for the entire duration that the children were left alone. According to their findings, the oldest child told police that her father left to “deliver a backpack” to an apartment and that he often leaves them alone.
Investigators also contacted a manager at a local hotel where Louis claimed to have been interviewed. The manager confirmed that Louis submitted a job application and underwent an informal interview on March 22. When asked whether a formal interview was scheduled, the manager said no.
As questions around Louis' story mount, some donors are now reconsidering their contributions.
Brown, who launched the fundraiser to support the family, addressed the skepticism on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Still working on an update on Chris. I know he did for a fact attend a job interview after leaving his kids. And I know that the family has been homeless since November. Still trying to work out other details on the timeline & story. Will keep in touch with updates. If you do not want to wait… you have the option to refund your $ on GoFundMe. Will have a better plan when I update later today. I do know people need help out there… happy to help. Blessings!”
He later added:
“Update Statement… I’m gathering additional information from the family. In the meantime, I continue to be in touch with GoFundMe and the funds will remain on hold. If anyone would like to request a refund, GoFundMe will honor it. I hope to still help the family out… but want to make sure it’s for a good cause. I do know Chris was at an interview that day and that they’ve been homeless since November. I’ll be keeping my donation in regardless of what I find out, but people can do what they please. I hope I can be a help to not only their family, but many in the future. Blessings! #CTESPN”
Source: X
