Tennessee Couple’s Newborn Sparks Viral Debate Over Paternity
The birth of a baby is always a moment of joy, especially after months of eager anticipation. While ultrasounds provide glimpses of an unborn child, nothing compares to the first time parents hold their newborn.
Often, babies surprise their families with unique features—whether it’s dimples, a head full of hair, or eye color. However, it can be startling when a child looks nothing like their parents.
This was the case for Rachel, a cashier at Celina 52 Truck Stop in Tennessee, whose baby’s arrival quickly went viral. On February 17, she and her fiancé, Paul Buckman, welcomed their son, Cash Jamal Buckman. The reason for the online buzz? Rachel and Paul are both white, yet Cash appeared to be Black.
When the truck stop shared a congratulatory Facebook post featuring the happy family, instead of warm wishes, the comments were filled with skepticism over Cash’s paternity.
In response, the truck stop defended the couple, stating that Rachel has African American ancestry, which could explain her son’s darker complexion. They also noted that Cash might have jaundice, a common condition in newborns. Despite their attempts to clear up misconceptions, speculation continued.
Rachel later took to Facebook to share DNA results proving her ancestry and confirming Paul as Cash’s father. However, instead of quelling rumors, the controversy only intensified.
As social media chatter grew, Celina 52 Truck Stop made an unexpected announcement—they planned to conduct DNA tests on their employees. This twist only deepened public intrigue, turning what was meant to be a simple birth announcement into a viral sensation.