Viral Video Showing Homeless Man Getting $100, Then Paying It Forward Was a Hoax, Says Brother

Kenni Nickel Thomas, left, is seen in a video that went viral in December 2014. He died less than six months later.

Posted: Jan 2, 2015 / 05:36 PM PST

Updated: Jan 2, 2015 / 11:53 PM PST

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A Southern California filmmaker and homeless man who appeared in a viral video were threatening a lawsuit after allegations surfaced that the whole thing was staged.

Josh Paler Lin and Ken Thomas Nichol, both featured in the video, told KTLA in a joint interview Thursday night that they have already hired a lawyer.

“We’ve got a lawyer on this, and we’re starting with a cease and desist order,” Nichol said.

The controversy began after Josh Paler Lin, a self-described “social experiment prankster,” posted a video to YouTube last week showing him giving Nichol $100 on a 91 Freeway off-ramp in Anaheim.

The video showed Nichols buying food that he then gave away to others at a nearby park who appear to be in need.

On Friday, Kevin Nichol told KTLA that his brother wasn’t homeless and was being taken advantage of in a scheme to raise money.

Rick Chambers reports for the KTLA 5 News at 10 on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.