The parents of Melanio C. Acosta IV said his apology was made under duress after he admitted plagiarizing his commencement speech at Circleville High School's graduation, 10TV News reported.

"It wasn't voluntarily," said Ofelia Acosta, the student's mother.  "I'd say they coerced him into doing it because he made him believe that he'd committed plagiarism."

Acosta, 18, said that he lifted two-thirds of his commencement address from a YouTube video that was based on lyrics from The Beatles.

"He did ascribe the speech to The Beatles but not the person who gave it in 2007," said Circleville Principal Paul Vitartas.

Acosta admitted the words were not his after the speech was given and voluntarily relinquished his title as valedictorian.

He even apologized to his class, saying, "I admit to performing this embarrassing act and want to point out that this is below my character.  It was my choice to go against everything my parents had taught me and take someone else's speech."

The Acosta family said that the speech was different enough for their son to call his own and demand an apology.

"I would really like for them to offer to instate his title as valedictorian," Ofelia Acosta said.  "This is not about money.  This is about his reputation."

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June 5, 2008:  Valedictorian Admits Plagiarizing Commencement Speech

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