(AP) - The father of a six-year-old boy who was believed to be floating above Colorado in a helium balloon is lashing out at suggestions that it was all a publicity stunt.

Richard Heene tells ABC the accusations are "extremely pathetic." The mid-air saga unfolded on national television yesterday, after one of the Heene sons said he saw his brother climb into the saucer-shaped balloon that floated away. It turned out, the boy was hiding in the rafters of his garage and was never in the balloon.

The Heene family made the morning show rounds today and tried to explain why Falcon Heene told CNN last night he didn't come out from his hiding spot because "we did this for a show."

Richard Heene told NBC his son was confused by the question and had shown TV reporters his hiding spot, confusing that with a show.

Police say they don't believe it was a hoax, but investigators will seek a new interview with the family after the CNN comment.To see more of the family's media appearances, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.