Full interview: Elizabeth Smart, 20 years after her kidnapping

FOX 13 News anchor Bob Evans sat down with Elizabeth Smart on Friday to talk about the 20 years since her abduction.
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[@donnabaardsen5372]

What a brave, beautiful woman, with a strong spirit. Her survival story is absolutely astounding.

[@Bowl427]

She almost got her cousin kidnapped too.. and she had so many opportunities to escape, nasty girl

[@guitarttimman]

But, at the same time, it doesn't merit women forming a diatribe against men! Destroying a man who is attracted to ladies is wrong! This is what's going on in America, and it needs to be stopped!

[@traceyyeboah3034]

It’s only by God’s grace for Elizabeth to be where she is today. Indeed she’s blessed because what she went through is horrible and she’s been graced with high spirits and doing very well and I’m thankful for her amazing life

[@raggedyann4372]

Women do a better job interviewing cases like this

[@MayAllYourStarsAlign]

Not a huge fan of how he interviewed her or the phrases he chose to say… she seemed a little like she was having to defend herself in ways because of how he was asking the questions

[@theresas2520]

She did really well though.

[@MayAllYourStarsAlign]

@@theresas2520 yes! She handled it better than I would have. She’s so well spoken and thoughtful with every word

[@barbraharvey9251]

He makes it sound like it only happened her sadly to say it happens to too many of us every day.

[@lindseynichalson7115]

Agreed! He was out of line many times in this interview!

[@embeth446]

Oh my gosh, I came to the comments just to see if anyone else got that vibe. I don’t think it was his intention, but it did come off like he was forcing her to repeatedly justify how she could be so well adjusted now, like he didn’t believe her. She answered the question so eloquently every time he asked it. Geez.

[@betsybabf748]

She's an incredible woman. For all the stress she has lived with in her life, she also looks incredible. She should pass for a teenager still, not a 30-something mom of 3 who has lived trauma most could never fathom. Her parents did a remarkable job in an unbearable situation.

[@Shayne_T]

30 something is not old.. if you see her close up, she has wrinkles..

[@Shayne_T]

Lol, a teenager.. that is ridiculous. And nothing against her, mostly your comment.

[@betsybabf748]

@@Shayne_T The name fits your personality and must be reason for the bitterness and resentment. I'm sorry. Hope it gets better for you. 😥

[@dgallagher55]

I don’t think I could have handled what Elizabeth went through. I honestly think I would have had a nervous break down. Thank goodness she made it home. I have such respect for her.

[@revabbyjoovitsky5152]

She had support. She still had to work at it. I know this from personal experience and I don't look like that or have much support.

[@Yousayimcrazee]

@@revabbyjoovitsky5152 look like what? She’s a normal girl

[@barbraharvey9251]

dgallagher55 I bet you'd surprise yourself on what you can/could handle once you are dealt the cards. Yes At first you'll stumble sometimes even fall. After time you decide you aren't going to give that f___ anymore power over you. Once you can start working on yourself you realize what you are made of. Each day you press on because you deserve freedom. You are strong

[@therearenoshortcuts9868]

this is interesting, wonder what makes some people mentally stronger than others...

[@cierra7983]

I am currently reading her book, what an amazing writer! I am so sorry for what was stolen from you but know that you are saving lives by telling your story

[@perrylowe]

Wow!! This is the best interview I have seen with Elizabeth. The interviewer really seems genuinely in awe and inspired. She is a HUGE empath and this world is better because she's a part of it. Thanks Elizabeth for all you are doing for us.💜 Especially us hurt and damaged by abuse.

[@arielmichael3683]

She seems to have a supportive mother and parents.

[@Girlhead]

Fortunately yes- her parents seem like they were amazing.

[@revabbyjoovitsky5152]

@@Girlhead My parents were angry and scared of retaliation. I think. I felt shamed and blamed for being a victim that they themselves sent me to live with. And gave power of attorney to as a legal guardian. I don't know why they did not tell the Haifa cops when I told them at 15. In 1973. I did not myself report it until a therapist urged me to do so a decade later. They did NOT take it seriously then in Israel. I don't know what they do now, but I will certainly make it my mission to find out.

[@theelizabethan1]

Too long introductory remarks -- wondered whether I'd get to see, or hear from Elizabeth....

[@missygirl337]

Elizabeth, you truly are our champion. We thank you for your courage and bravery. Elizabeth Smart is a hero

[@sarahbarton117]

What a terrible way to interview this amazing women. I understand, he feels she is incredible and strong, but I do not care for his approach.

[@revabbyjoovitsky5152]

He asked the same questions I would have asked. I am not from Utah. They both are. She does not seem at all uncomfortable. It's the key. She does not carry shame/guilt around anymore. He keeps asking, how did you get over it? She tries to answer, it eats you up from inside if you do not let it go. My way is always in writing but until recently there was no platform/interest. It was considered to be "too personal." Which is more shame. By asking what needs to be asked, he's mainstreaming what is already unfortunately mainstream and has been for over 50 years at least. Probably for centuries. In some cultures, those who report are shamed more, blamed more, punished even for bringing shame to the family. The parents, like my own, ask, why do you not bring us joy? Where are the nachas? Why is it always some problem? They don't have, as she says, "training." How do you get training? You start a dialogue. A public one. That's what we're doing, here, now. Finally.

[@sodbustergrl.]

I agree 100%. He is also trying way to hard to tell her how amazing she us to have survived it. So much so he sounds fake or insincere. He's just trying wayyy to hard.

[@timprescott4634]

What an absolutely inspiring young lady!

[@abbigailcarr2725]

I can’t believe she’s only 31. It’s such a punch in the gut to remember how young she was when she was taken

[@katiehaber1687]

She’s 35

[@lindsayraetheel]

Boo on this interviewer. Almost acting like she shouldn’t have gotten over it. Clearly he’s never been through hard times. Love her!!!

[@janetleight8788]

He is wierd!

[@desiderata333]

Yeah awful interviewer with zero, ZERO clue!! Ugh!!

[@bettymaugeri7316]

A courageous, smart and brave woman - 🙏

[@janisolson1013]

Elizabeth has such a wonderful sense of humor & when thinking about the atrocities she went through & all the horrors she experienced & the fact she is so very poised & has such a lovely sense of humor, she's truly a gem --- a precious, precious gem & the world is so lucky to have her. 🤍

[@theelizabethan1]

I do wonder how impregnation by the monster didn't happen.....

[@NaveDelAmor]

Being believed helps one survive and find ways to help others. Blessings to this magnificent woman who is inspiring us all. It's hard to get over this type of trauma.

[@wandatorres9967]

I am just so proud of her for not attributing her survival story to the Mormons, but to her own inner strength

[@a-roh5039]

@@bestill365 It's the same thing. The church has been pushing folks to call it by the longer name, but nobody has time for that. Mormons = LDS.

[@mr.hansholmes2367]

@@bestill365 That is sad to hear she hasn’t Escaped that cult.

[@janetjohnson7279]

​@@bestill365 Your response was wonderful and heartfelt it touched My heart and made me cry. Thank You!!

[@tombrennan7673]

She is an amazing young woman. Mad respect

[@martinezdirce9225]

It’s so true!! I live in Tokyo and remember when it happened… and years ago, I was so blessed listening to her talks here on KZbin… there’s also mental abuse at times when we become like “mentally dependent “ on people (thinking is love)… that’s also a kind of kidnapping I truly believe… anyway, that’s in the past and listening to her always always gave me so much peace of mind and courage and it always will ♥️

[@Rebelloraptor]

What a beautiful, sweet, gentle, soft-spoken woman. It's incredible how well she is doing and I wish her even the better for the rest of her life.

[@jfizforshiz3395]

I can appreciate that he’s trying to investigate, she was still a victim. Rather was 100 years ago or 20. I think people should consider how they’re asking questions and when.

[@bernamason4284]

Yes I notice that as well

[@MsClaudiaDuran]

I'm so glad we're talking more about Elizabeth Smart than the two monsters (I don't even want to say their names) who abused her.

[@dravenhawktoland1127]

She is one very strong, very brave. Young woman. And I'm so glad that she is able to help others out there. Who went through the same thing. That she went through.

[@carolray9737]

I admire Elizabeth Smart more than any woman in the world!! She is a example of strength of mind and spirit. She didn't let her captors distroy her spirit she is a wonderful spokesperson and a great example of courage to all of us. Whenever things get hard in my life and I want to give up and into depression I think of Elizabeth Smart and I snap right out of it!!!

[@katiestar5245]

She's amazing. I am a kidnapping survivor too and I'm still a complete wreck 35 years later. Elizabeth is so put together. Bless her.

[@karenanderson1221]

What an awesome young lady you are, Elizabeth.... I remember those days when you were taken and the great day when you were found. I think everyone around the world gave a sigh of relief. Such a great happyness. I admire you so much. You are making such a difference in so many lives . You never took any of the terrible things that happened to you without fighting back. Bless you for the help you are giving other victims.

[@Michele-W.]

Horrible intervieweur 😣 Not authentic what so ever !

[@scrumps101]

This is one of the slowest, bragged out interviews I’ve ever watched. The guy interviewing her took so long to get his questions out I felt like he wanted to hear himself talk more than listen to what she had to say. The questions he asked were so uninteresting compared to what he should have been asking such an incredible guest. I’m not even talking about asking her about details of her kidnapping. But he chooses to ask if she can measure the impact of her nonprofit work, ugh. I’d have loved to hear her talk about how her experiences during her most difficult time has shaped the way she parents her own children or what input she would have to give parents in talking about safety and appropriate touching etc to help talk to their own children…. Elizabeth Smart is a treasure of knowledge and for him to not tap into some of that incredible brain was disappointing.

[@kathleendudek2955]

She looks so beautiful. She looks like an angel. I wish her the best!

[@michellelee2433]

The utmost respect to Elizabeth Smart, and her family! ❤

[@miaubella]

when she says she came to learn that thousands of people were going through the same thing really tells us the kind of world and society we live in. Thos SHOULD NOT be happening to thousands or any at all...

[@atratr4069]

Elizabeth go girl🍀🍀🌹🌿👍🏻🌞

[@victorialehman6604]

@fox13newsutah would you possibly provide the links to the correct websites for someone like myself to access community assistance from either the Elizabeth smart foundation or the Molouf foundation?

[@katiix]

I like to watch her videos because I always learn new things about her kidnapping everytime I do. She's an amazing woman. 👏 💕

[@dantaylor333]

she is truly an ispiration for courage and the ability to move on, be brave and still turn out fantastic. I don't like what she went through but i love who she is now

[@TravisCotter]

Everybody deserves to live a life of peace and love and prosperity. I glad Elizabeth has that now. X

[@starbug345]

The man got a life sentence and the woman only got 15 years. That means she’s been out of jail for 5 years now

[@helenfong3339]

She's so strong!

[@revabbyjoovitsky5152]

Something similar happened to me, and nobody believed me at the time it happened, 1972-1973, at the same ages, 14-5, but in Haifa, and the man was in charge of a government learning center (the government has no record of this), also had a Phd in psychology. My parents later believed me, the learning institution did not. My high school counselor did not. Police minimized the crime when I finally reported it, in the 1980s. I am just now writing about my experience, in hope that if the book is eventually published in Hebrew, somebody from my old school will invite me to answer direct questions, following your example. When we are believed, we are told we are "drama queens," or "it could have been worse." In some Middle Eastern culture, it's acceptable for some men to do what they wish with girls. I happen to be from the West (California/Hawaii). The perp was also what we call "Ashkenazi." Probably long dead & buried, it's been 50 years. Still, my old classmates are around. Their kids are around. The school still there, at the same location. I was away, in the states, trying to live my life, for 42 years. I came back here almost 2 years ago. With the language, the weather, the food, came the memories, although I am in Akko not Haifa, it's 10 km away. I can see Haifa from the beach of Akko. I still have not gone back to visit my old high school. It's still that creepy. Almost 50 years after it happened. Thanks for your work, for your example of openness. No shame, no blame. And far more common than people would like to admit, particularly teachers & parents of high school girls & jr. high school girls. Aviva in Akko

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

I'm so sorry for your traumatic experience. I hope you will eventually get some closure. Sending you love from the UK.

[@mysticmama_3692]

Perhaps this is an ignorance of mine from being from the states, but what does your perp being Ashkenazi have to do with what they did? It's almost like you're suggesting that a Sephardic jew couldn't perpetuate such things.

[@ninjapirate123]

She's so pretty and beautiful, im glad she's living a happy life now

[@JungianHeights]

In the interviewer’s defence, it is remarkable that she seems so ‘normal’ given what she went through. There are people her age and older who have gone through various trauma that has stuck with them. Most never get over it, so I can understand his bewilderment.

[@stepcollazo8134]

Yes the only 1. because 99 percent of the time there not them anymore.there trauma stays with them forever.

[@cowoverthemoo]

She would have a massive support because the media. Yet many children will not have that support, and many children are abused by their own parents, so not even that to ease pain.. Elisabeth had support, and her mum pushed her back up.. having support being heard, believed, helps.

[@msrmsr1309]

Thank you🙏

[@Zepster77]

This guy seems to enjoy the sound of his own voice a bit too much… geez

[@jame2182]

The father of this young lady CONSTANTLY begged for prayers among THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. Every single sabbath we prayed and every single FAST we were asked to pray for deliverance for her...ALL OF US UNDERSTANDING SHE WAS BEING HORRIFICALLY ABUSED AND MISTREATED... but we the members of our church prayed her safe return. ED SMART WOULD NOT STOP.... telephone calls, emails, snail mail, to everyone in our church active or inactive. HE ALSO USED THE LEGACY MEDIA. he sought for profit and non profit organizations continuously. ELIZABETH SMART DOESN'T KNOW HOW HARD HER FATHER WORKED TO GET HER BACK!!!! every single day all day long begging crying beseeching weeping ALL TO PRAY FOR HIS DAUGHTER ELIZABETH... it's the truth, that's what her father did do

[@alicesal9406]

Lighthouse. She is amazing. Thank you. I love her for validating all situations of terrible experiences.

[@ginac895]

Elizabeth, what an Amazing person you are. ❤️

[@margaretbrown3931]

What a amazing women beyond the love and unbelievable ❤️

[@axidhaus]

She is gorgeous

[@elendilnz]

Elizabeth 💙❤️💜🌺🌹🌿🌻🌞🌼🌸🌺💐huge love. You are such a help to others 🤗❤️🙏

[@karenmalach2797]

She had a very loving family. What a blessing.

[@LauraPerez-kr8bn]

She is a blessing to so many people. I am personally very grateful she inspires me to get through a lot that has been going on in my life. I love Elisabeth Smart ❤

[@ninjapirate123]

I'm glad she's living a happy life now, also why was Wanda Barzee released from prison back in 2018 anyways, she should've also gotten a life sentence

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

I remember the day she was kidnapped. I remember hearing on the news that the kidnappers had her put on her shoes. After hearing that, I knew, I just KNEW she'd be found. Her father was very smart keeping Elizabeth's image in the public eye. Everyone knew what she looked like. She was rescued because she was strong enough to survive, and because her family made sure her name stayed in the news. I know it sounds weird, but every couple of years I look her up on Google or KZbin to see how she's doing. I admire her immensely.

[@Whynotcreate]

I haven't been through as much as her and I'm so broken down with what I did go through. It's so hard to trust anyone or be around anyone. I feel like I don't want to wear certain clothes or makeup because I'll be a target more

[@lucihornsby]

i hope you’re okay

[@joyfadele3104]

Don’t give up u are so much stronger than you think you are ❤❤❤

[@knoahbody69]

I like how the captions drop out whenever she drops some truth bombs.

[@girlonfire6789]

she's an inspiration I was almost in that situation except getting thrown in a car at 15 against 4 men watching stuff like this people get the wrong idea but it can honestly save your life it saved mine I managed to get out of the car and escaped things happen

[@alexandria62753]

Elizabeth Smart you’re a real brave Soul❤️🙏

[@taylorinvancouver2017]

Wow who didn’t believe what..it’s shocking to hear her say that! It’s sad and it’s amazing how well she’s been able to cope and became this beautiful human!

[@amrose4214]

yeh crazy, i was sking in UTAH at that time in 2003 winter it was warm but yeh she still missing and i was like looking around she up in those hills.

[@doremefasolateeda]

We were so worried about you Elizabeth..and when you were found alive, joy resounded through the entire universe..and the same was felt when JC was found...joy, thankfulness and hope..!

[@silverscout2643]

If only she told the cop at the library

[@spiritmatter1553]

She was too terrified to do so. She’d been told that her entire family would be killed if she spoke up.

[@boysponge705]

You'd be surprised at what fear can do to a person.

[@elisg7]

She is an amazing lady ❤

[@adedamolaadeleke6228]

The sun's shining outside

[@diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682]

Strong person.🤗

[@jondoe-jd8nd]

You know, for some reason I feel compelled to advocate too.

[@anuskasoares8276]

What an incredibly strong and beautiful woman she has become! So let your light shine so bright that others can see it and have their lives blessed by the infinite power of the atonement of Jesus for all of us... I can see His light in her eyes!

[@kleen1982]

Bob Evans is such an enthusiastic and genuine human being. This interview breaks the mold.

[@guitarttimman]

I'm sorry that happened to you Elizabeth. It wasn't your fault, but you do need to face reality. Never blame yourself!

[@tm13tube]

She is a remarkable woman.

[@SKinSKorea]

Remarkable woman. I remember when this happened. Like so many, it seemed her naïveity made her an easy victim. She has really emerged from this a strong person and advocate.

[@jennythepirateasmr8383]

The lips moving are so far apart from the sound that it's nearly unwatchable.

[@revabbyjoovitsky5152]

As a hearing impaired viewer, I thought so too, the lips and sound do not match and the CC are broken up, but she is speaking slowly enough to get it. At least, I got it.

[@TheGymnast71]

wow.

[@juliekirk5365]

You deserve EVERY happiness.

[@dandicristina1389]

I saw her today at a junior league event here in Sarasota

[@lesley500]

He may as well have just asked it “did you like it?” Creep.

[@LuzMaria95]

She’s amazing!! 🙏🏽

[@debrafinan7513]

That interviewer is the worst. How many times does he have to ask her the same insensitive questions! Ugh.

[@squeeze1321]

Great interview by both parties. Yeah, she is an amazing soul.

[@Kris-s2g]

Everyone says youre strong, and amazing. I know you are. I am in no position to be a big caregiver. But i identify with this type of situation. And I think, also, that wheather its been a year or 20 years, I can surley tame it. But with you Elizabeth, I see the need to go back to 2001/ 2002 and start 💪

[@LBowen-wg5rn]

Huh

[@whelanmmw]

Bar none, the best interview I've ever seen with Elizabeth Smart. Watch it.

[@kathleendudek2955]

I would love to someday meet Elizabeth. I was nearly abducted 3 times in my life! It sounds absurd, but it's true.

[@jondoe-jd8nd]

I believe you. Appreciate you much.

[@doremefasolateeda]

It seems that Elizabeth is having to comfort her interviewer.

[@karenromney7685]

Best interview with Elizabeth I have seen

[@ThroughHisEyes444]

….the interviewer is just stupefied- cannot possibly conceive in his mind how she could possibly overcome this..PEOPLE PLEASE..we are sooooooo far behind in our consciousness as a whole in this world. There is a story for every conceivable disastrous thing you can and cannot imagine- where people have been able to overcome. Please practice PRESENCE in your daily lives. First thing every morning- night FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES. If you’re a parent you can find this first hand- REMOVE YOUR DISTRACTIONS…be present with your children, it takes discipline..are you willing to do your part here? Each and every one of us can begin to learn today- practice, practice, practice. Thank you in advance- look- see- listen. Spiritual Unfoldment with John Butler..follow his channel and begin your conscious journey today. We can end tragedy’s- school shootings- the blame game is fear and lack mindset. ❤️

[@eastonfield2795]

Idk why I compare her to Elizabeth Dugard but I guess bc she only endured 9 months and didnt have kids while Jaycee was gone wayyy longer and had kids by this pervert but both situations are horrible and I cant imagine it's just so sad that what these girls had to endure 😭😭🙏🙏🙏

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

This interviewer is inept, excessively obtrusive with his questions and demeanor.

[@vladimirberegovoy2886]

It seems her dad very much respected her kidnapper. Talked of him with sympathy.

[@pieehthmz5615]

Strong Woman ❤🥺

[@liygalis6696]

You are a hero Elizabeth.

[@bernamason4284]

I’m so sorry 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 but u made it

[@adedamolaadeleke6228]

I got college for next week on monday

[@ggraemeffrance5434]

Strange

[@sashagarcia6205]

the interviewer is so kind really trying to go above and beyond to show her he truly empathizes with her you can feel his passion and kindness

[@jame2182]

We lived in the North East during this event in Elizabeth Smart's beginning to be a teenager

[@TheCrescentSalon]

This guy needs to sush, he keeps saying what happened, just give her the platform the share

[@bernamason4284]

She could of ran in that library

[@anpe6524]

Yes, but she was 14. and traumatized, it looks like part of the trauma is to make herself look as ff there is no trauma left.

[@janetleight8788]

What don't this man understand!! Too bad she didn't have a better interviewer.

[@debt4717]

Started to watch it... but 1.05 in, I got tired of this interviewer talking on and on and on on and on and on on and on and on on and on and on...... I'm out. There are other interviews ;-)