Woman Who Left The Amish Community Opens Up To Megyn Kelly | Megyn Kelly TODAY

Emma Gingerich grew up in an Amish community in Ohio. As one of 13 siblings, Gingerich attended school only until age 14 and soon decided that she didn’t want to be a part of the community. Gingerich, author of the book “Runaway Amish Girl,” tells Megyn how she made her “great escape,” and how she adapted to the outside world.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/SubscribeToTODAY
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/ReadTODAY
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/LikeTODAY
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/FollowTODAY
Follow TODAY on Google+: on.today.com/PlusTODAY
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/InstaTODAY
Follow TODAY on Pinterest: on.today.com/PinTODAY
Woman Who Left The Amish Community Opens Up To Megyn Kelly | Megyn Kelly TODAY

[@crystalsmith7939]

The interviewer is talking to her like she's a dumb person. It's truly sad. She's very condescending

[@hannahbaxter8825]

She's always like that and she doesn't let people tell their stories themselves.

[@jodilopez7164]

Megan!! Megan!! U R not meant to be an interviewer....give it up

[@lorancefile9557]

Jodi Lopez her show ended when she sided with the blackface controversy. But note that she was a former Fox News worker.

[@orthodoxanastasia2789]

@@ChallengerBanX She hasn't worked for Fox in over 3 years. She was awful as a debate "moderator" she's the same in interviews. Never allows other to speak.

[@asterixe1]

The interviewer could've been more gentle with her questions, but I don't see her as being condescending. She's slightly dumb and could be more intelligent and informed, though. She should've done more research before interviewing the Amish girl. But I can see Megan likes and admires the girl. She's very pretty and looks appropriately "English," with her dark dyed flat-ironed hair, makeup, earrings, and dress.

[@raelonewolf]

People laugh when she says that she thought the world was flat, that she didn't know about Presidents/politics, and that she thought 9/11 was an act of God, but these were all beliefs she held as a child growing up in a community that was completely closed off from any other civilization. She grew up, realized that there was something wrong with her environment, left it, and educated herself to know better. Very few people in the modern world are willing to grow and change their minds in this way.

[@nickilovesdogs8137]

So true.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Took extraordinary courage!

[@ramonawalker5473]

Well said.

[@Mad5am]

There are plenty of Non-Amish people who believe those things lol

[@raelonewolf]

Mad5am exactly. And yet even with all the resources that she didn't have, they still choose to be ignorant.

[@xenophile84]

It actually blows my mind that she pretty much didn't know anything at all about the outside world but she still somehow knew that being Amish wasn't for her. She left having essentially no idea what she was going to encounter. Incredible bravery and tenacity.

[@sheilatrigg8443]

You are right. There is something wrong with her statements that seem contradictory. For one, she speaks English perfectly for an American. So, she HARDLY sounds like German/Dutch is the main language she spoke. Something is off. I wonder if Megyn did her research on this one.

[@xenophile84]

@@sheilatrigg8443 That's not what I said...and many Amish people speak English without a noticeable accent

[@sheilatrigg8443]

@@xenophile84 I was unaware of that. But since she said the main language there was German/Dutch, it's just odd that she sounds completely American English speaking. Unless they do enough of it all their lives, like you suggest ;-)

[@stevenap4594]

They have interactions with outsiders- I talk to Amish people all the time. They’re not completely oblivious to our lives. They see our neighborhoods, schools, how people are dressed and how they talk. It’s not like they are locked in a complete bubble (they still frequent Walmart) She prob saw the way we lived and was like you know what I want to do that instead- people leave the Amish all the time or float to more modern Amish cultures (Mennonite)

[@keithm1689]

She definitely has a PA/Dutch accent, I know because I speak it.

[@Yamezzzz]

This is a rare extreme Amish community. My sister married at 19 and my parents believed that was very young to get married. We have cell phones for emergency purposes for example. I'm also at college in Philadelphia which I have blessing from my family to do so. So of course I use the internet and live like a normal college student. But all my life I've always heard of the Internet, the President, world news, etc. Despite being Amish I can't imagine life like this girl had, most Amish are much closer to normal modern society than these extreme Amish "cults". Honestly, I love my childhood and life, I think it has been fantastic. Yeah these things are cool and I can communicate with all the people who read this comment, have parties at college and watch Breaking Bad, but I still value and appreciate the pure happiness from an Amish lifestyle. Just not as extreme as the community this girl grew up in.

[@chrisparkhurst5158]

I never imagined I would be reading a comment from an amish person on the internet lol

[@krollpeter]

Some of the Amish lifestyle, a kind of a simpler lifestyle, it would be good for all of us.

[@jusplay7309]

I live in berks county, PA and a lot of my neighbors are Amish and some are mennonite. Some of the nicest people that I have ever met. As a black man I was hesitant moving here first at first because of what some people mentioned but I have not had one bad incident since. I love living where you have so much land and low crime. We walk to the neighbors house a few houses up to their stall and buy fresh produce. Its honor system where you take what you need and put the money in the jar. You get fresh clean produce, very lovely neighbors, your kids are all safe and they are always willing to help. I once had some dirt and rocks pilled up and my neighbor came with bobcat and helped level it. Moving out of the Philly was one of the best decisions I ever made for my family. Not to mention that you get so much property for your buck.

[@07Flash11MRC]

@@krollpeter "a kind of a simpler lifestyle, it would be good for all of us": That's what the Fasc!sts and Naz!s used to say, too. I've been through a similar lifestyle already under a similar past regime, I won't go through it again and as a guy with a German name you should know better, too. The fact that more people leave cults (like the Amish, the Mennonites, FLDS, etc.) than join them is very telling. Be careful what you wish for. If you wanna live like that, nobody will stop you from joining them or go someplace else where you are happier than where you are at right now. Do you, just don't force this stuff on the rest of us!

[@inessatorres9827]

The interviewer should asked her how did she survived??, where did the amish girl went after she left???who helped her out?????

[@raghuhiriyur]

It's in the book, you have to buy it to know that. Marketing!

[@jamesfrench7299]

When you're a young white presentable looking girl, you have no shortage of people who care about you.

[@missrobyn7759]

Megyn missed the most important questions like once you left where did you sleep that night were you homeless did you meet a boyfriend did someone take you in how did you live eat work pay for school?? No important questions asked about once you leave. How do you begin Day 1????

[@laurab2223]

yo mama Yes!!!

[@angelacartiglia]

Same!

[@1MissLovely1]

same but that's why we should read her book :)

[@la_sarito]

totally

[@ineeinaz]

Yes

[@cjsmith8319]

I come from Amish upbringing. Lived right outside Lancaster County, PA. When I was growing up my mother told me I was her curious little mouse. That’s why I decided to leave. I was too curious about the outside world. Despite all the warnings, I went. The world is SO beautiful. I miss my family, but this life is too precious to pass up experiences.

[@awaken24]

I am from Mo and a family of 12 I don’t have any contact with my family I don’t miss them They were mean to me when I left at age 20 I never looked back It was one of the best choices I made in my life Freedom is wonderful

[@michellehoonan3360]

She is so brave. I can’t imagine being that young, alone and going into a world I didn’t know.

[@plasmaastronaut]

now imagine being 14 and going to war against guns after knowing your father, uncles, and men in your village were killed. That's what young men's lives were like for hundreds of years.

[@plasmaastronaut]

@@ponygirlusa I agree with you, but tell that to Michelle; according to her the story is about bravery, but going to war at 14yo is bravery, running away from home is more like desperation.

[@prasad9002]

@@plasmaastronaut her story is about bravery. She is brave. Just like boys go to war. But it's Michelles story we are watching . Let's stick to her topic

[@plasmaastronaut]

@@ponygirlusa i know. So it shouldn't have the world 'brave' in it. There's no need to captalize the word 'her': her gender is not being debated, unless you are confused thinking she's male. @Prasad Leaving home to live in a peaceful city is several orders of magnitude less dangerous than going to war; don't need much bravery to do that.

[@stoneoffarel]

The interviewer is awful! The girls story is interesting.. I think I'll read the book

[@CynthiasTikka]

Even the girl kind of had a look of wow, these questions are dumb. Although she was raised with a very limited education, even she could see that megyn was acting like a dumb blonde here with her focus on the no electricity and no indoor plumbing. I'm surprised she didn't say, what you can't wear makeup either?

[@trvtam]

The book is very good. I just finished it yesterday.

[@centerfold8]

stoneoffarewell I read it it’s an easy and compelling read

[@w41duvernay]

You don't have to worry about the interviewer. She got kicked to the curb for Blackface. LOL.

[@purelovexist]

Agree

[@thebluestplanet6768]

I wanted to hear all about her first contact within the town she escaped to. I think better questions could have been asked.

[@1981lashlarue]

Me too. I was eagerly waiting to hear when she said she left one day with just the clothes off her back-- where did you go, who did you make contact with, how/why did you know to go there... A whole lot of questions should have been asked on that aspect and would have made for a much better and more informative interview.

[@ecomhicks]

That's the trick.."buy the book"

[@TheDuckClock]

I found this video after coming off another news article that explains what happened. It said that she had obtained a phone number from an non-amish couple before she left, the person on the other side of the line was an ex-Amish woman she had never met. The woman picked up Emma and took her to a house an hour away, over the border and out of Missouri. Eventually from there she made her way to Texas, though that's all I could find for now.

[@jayblack2093]

+TheDuckClock Thanks for the info! I'm going to do some hunting online and maybe take a look at her book. Really not sure why Megyn was so fixated on plumbing - which we pretty much know is something that the Amish live happily without - when we're meeting someone who, as a vulnerable 18 year old, was totally homeless and had few resources but somehow found a place to stay, found a way to get an education, and published a book in a language she hardly knew growing up. I wanted to know about how she survived, not the sad story of how her family shunned her. She's a brave and strong young lady and I believe she deserves better than the welcome she received on this interview. The whole audience was fascinated but only got to hear about the most basic topics. I feel that anyone there could have asked better questions in a more respectful fashion.

[@Totalchaos0228]

They have rumspringa...they know about us, they just Dont live like us, when I lived in PA the Amish girls used to come over and smoke cigarettes and liked to use my makeup. .they loved makeup and jeans...they all have hidden clothes, some even have hidden cars from their family, a few girls had jobs outside the community and would change before going home.

[@HappyCamper14]

Lol I spent two weeks with a Lancaster Amish family , they got a newspaper everyday and were not ignorant of current affairs. This family was only accessible to me due to a very long term relationship with an English family not through some propaganda setup. All the children were happy and smiled but displayed manners which I could readily see were missing in our current society . The Amish family comes first and was evident in the way the mothers and fathers spent precious time with their children. For example Mom reads to the younger children every night before bed gathering them around her and allowing them to help choose stories, how many English parents still do this? I myself am guilty of not doing this. My own daughter was permitted to attend school for a week with the Amish children and I was honored to be a guest on one of the first days. And hello they have indoor plumbing. The entire family spoke perfect English and even taught us words and phrases of their language. Ridiculous, Amish live a simple life a life I am frankly envious of. And yes the family I was blessed to spend two weeks with are very “orthodox” in their faith and community. I spent many hours with the wife and mother of this family and several other females in the community and have nothing but the utmost respect

[@kathykoker2648]

Every community has different rules..the one here in the county I live in are NOT allowed any outside news source..newspaper included...

[@mgeijho]

she said she is swartzunger or whatever Amish. they have strict rules,unlike the family you visited. thats a completely different religion/culture.

[@XxadamlambertfanxX29]

@@mgeijhothey’re called Swartzentrubers. I only know how to spell it because I’m reading a book about an Amish man who murdered a few people who was in that particular sect; his name was Eli Stutzman.

[@bigfish8280]

Wow this woman is the same age as me. It's amazing how no one can choose the family they are born into. All of us around the world that lives such different lifestyles oh, it's just incredible. I'm glad that she was able to leave the community she was born into being that you wasn't happy there. I wish her success and happiness throughout her life and journey

[@MeltingHeartsWaxMelts]

Dude when she said 87 my mouth dropped! I just couldn’t imagine

[@kikeballestas510]

I was very excited to watch this interview until the interviewer started talking, so disrespectful.

[@unitedheartsamerica5924]

The interview was lame for sure.. need a tv show on her book.. will look for her book.. !!

[@aprilschoening966]

So, no _____? Wow Repeat x45 times for 10 minutes

[@nhreqniomewo3001]

That's Megyn Kelly for ya

[@FourThousandMilesTogether]

Literally! I feel like this is really insensitive...laughing about men turning up in your bed unsolicited and then “oh you left because you couldn’t cope without indoor plumbing HAHAH”. No...maybe the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual abuse of a cult for your whole life?? Wow...

[@rickdee67]

What questions would you have asked? How would you have done it differently?

[@cyclohexane9295]

How did she manage to survive when she left? That's a HUGE part of the story that's been completely brushed aside.

[@simplysno1828]

She probably got a job rented a room or got a roommate or something I'm just guessing.

[@duncanevy]

Wondering that myself. She leaves with nothing. Gets a GED and somehow pays for college. Not to mention just surviving daily life.

[@idreesmohammed5823]

Exactly my thoughts....bad interview!!!

[@Zero11s]

she is a actress with a script

[@rantstips9231]

Yeah, Would like to know this as well. As.its very difficult. But not impossible but would still like to know how she did it. My guess is she did rent a room or asked for help and someone decided to help

[@royandrade2929]

I'm a truck driver. I pick up freight from Amish businesses in many states, they're nice people. This young lady just scaped into a really wicked world.

[@alvinjohnson7428]

well you can go live with em Roy.

[@jhavajoe3792]

That was so moving what she endured and accomplished. I'll never complain about my parents again.

[@silentthriller]

She killing me with these questions.

[@Juju-df4sw]

“Did you know about this?” “No” “What about this?” “No” “How about this?” “No” “Well did you-

[@mrdeleted]

Yeah, we were both in the same sect, and I am a little surprised at her saying she had never heard of the President, but each community was different. When I was in my preteens though, I had a non-Amish brother who lived out of state and came by to visit about twice a year or so. I got some news from him which is more than she would have gotten. I remember him bringing me a solar-powered fan, a small toy. It was so amazing. I kept it for so long, trying not to break it, as my parents would never have got me one.

[@davidh.1540]

Most Amish are aware that WW1 and WW2 occurred because (i) They noticed that their 'English' neighbours were conscripting for the war and (ii) Some of the neighbours started showing hostility towards the 'Germans'.

[@davidh.1540]

@Juju, The Amish only need to know the biblical facts that are essential for their salvation. They don't need to know who the President is, the current world events etc because all that is irrelevant to their faith.

[@HSMak]

David H. - “Biblical facts” Lmao

[@deadpirateroberts9937]

HSMak Those two words dont mix well.

[@Grigsy]

I just hope the young woman is doing well and living a happy life.

[@chocowaff]

SO WAIT WAIT WAIT. Does she how who the SECOND president is? The interviewer forgot to ask that.

[@meganjohnson2322]

Pretty sure if she doesn't know who George Bush Jr. is, she won't know who George Washington is either. Her questions get so redundant...

[@TheDLitch]

Megan Johnson Bush is not a jr.

[@meganjohnson2322]

@@TheDLitch his father was George H.W. Bush and he's George W. Bush....how is that not a junior?

[@TheDLitch]

You answered your own question. He doesn’t have an h in his name

[@ooyo8253]

Not necessarily, they could've learned basic U.S. history about the founding fathers, Independence Day, native Americans, Puritans, etc.

[@ajen1270]

@@ooyo8253 let them be

[@GirlArmy21]

This young girl escaped and educated herself. Good for her! This interview had so much potential.....missed the important questions.

[@dinil5566]

The interviewer was a full grown teenager. That's it.

[@RivergirlsHandmade]

There is no need to "escape" the Amish. She wasn't held prisoner. The Amish have their way of life and people are free to leave whenever they want. The only time they get shunned is if they leave AFTER they join the church. They are not required to join the church at any particular age, but if they do join it is usually around ages 17-20. If they choose not to join and become an "Englisher" then they still can have contact with their families.

[@anaparada7219]

yeah like how this show tries to put down the Amish I am not Amish they're good people there this girl this is crazy she just want to be rebellious and bees look like a floozy she is really ugly and needs a haircut and two needs to just a little more modestly I like how they put it put down godly beliefs in this show so secular Illuminati crap

[@hyejinmoon4882]

@@anaparada7219 There is different sects of the Amish. She came from a very strict and rigid one. There are of course communities where they aren't so harsh and oppressive.

[@tiahnnayasmine670]

Megan kelly always asks generic questions and never thinks outside the box you might prefer Oprah and doctor Phil if you look for the same topic ?

[@mariakaragianni863]

God bless her. It takes alot of courage to leave everything behind and start your life again!

[@berthlubny5634]

I live in lancaster County PA grew up with Amish everywhere and I never looked at their lifestyle that way!!! Good for you Emma!

[@t.mumpfield]

Is this the first time the host has ever heard of the Amish? She comes across like this girl and her former life is from another planet.

[@RobinPM86]

Maybe she's doing this for the audience. Not everyone has heard of the Amish.

[@kevinbarton1661]

We all can learn to enjoy friendships & living a simpler life.

[@kevinbarton1661]

The Amish have little $$$$ debt $$$ and they help each other . No one goes to bed hungry. When a crisis arises , they pull together to fix the problems. I have seen them do great things.

[@Xaiorion]

"I didnt know any history or geography or what was going on in the outside world" megyn: "did you know there were 50 states? Did you know who the president was? So in 2006 you didn't know the president was George bush? you didn't know who George Washington was? Did you know about 9/11?" GIRL SHE SAID NOOOOO

[@jiglysinger]

This! For real! It made me cringe

[@jenniferlorence1950]

There is nothing wrong with those questions, The girl doesn't talk much and if Megyn didn't ask those questions, how would the audience know about the kind of life this girl had, details are important, there is Nothing wrong in the way Megyn Conducted this interview, nothing wrong.

[@creativeswirl6002]

XD

[@creativeswirl6002]

so true

[@supreme5580]

I grew up in New York City, and received an education up until age 13 I had no idea how many states there were in America as far as I can remember. Thousands of boys don't know that in modern america too. Unfortunately

[@margiebrown8438]

Wow! Brave young lady. Hopefully Amish change enough for you to see family again 🙏

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

"Did you know we had 50 states?" Does ANY average American high school student know this? lol

[@LeahJenkins21]

I mean they really should. If not I’d be worried

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

@@LeahJenkins21 - I'll tell you .. Many do not.

[@Neverseenstars]

Yes

[@PauI123]

@@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr That's untrue. Ask any american pre schooler how many states there are, and they'll say 50. Americans aren't apes, stop portraying us as subhuman troglodytes, because we aren't.

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

@@PauI123 - American Public Schools are abysmal failures by almost any measure. Any number of independent studies and stats world wide will confirm this. but you go ahead and believe whatever YOU NEED to believe. I won't try and stop you.

[@theanimalcrossingmillipede2592]

That interviewer is rude and isn't asking signficant questions.

[@MrPink2024]

*That's because it's fake and scripted.*

[@mattrussillo4587]

She also shows sort of a bias.

[@mamaharumi]

What do you expect from Megyn Kelly

[@MrPink2024]

*Nicole Brown Simpson* ☝

[@MarioStingerPerpetualTraveller]

She is a Fox News host. They are all like that.

[@kaym1040]

I seriously don't like Megyn. She has very poor interview skills.

[@WayToManyAssassins]

She asked what they used for light in their homes, like seriously.

[@cc-gt5wm]

She painted before and describe it's on her will.

[@lynixx7119]

Kimmy Fagan They’re not rude because it’s true. They’re not judging her based on her personality they’re judging her based on her interview skills so it’s not about “you don’t even know her.” The audience can 100% judge her skills because that’s what she does for a living and it’s for the audience itself. We’d rather tell her off than to pretend it’s good cause it’s her JOB to be a good interviewer. We’re pretty sure she’s a good person.

[@elliefields1569]

Right? She can be so condescending :(

[@lisadiconti]

She's lacking in empathy and doesn't go deep.

[@ca66agepatchk1d]

She is so brave and I am so happy for her to have gotten the chance to find her own way. Not saying that being Amish is bad and she escaped some horrible life, but she was able to recognize that her current life wasn't what she wanted and she had the strength to leave her only home behind and build herself up in a completely unknown environment

[@dlagrua]

Its good for her that she chose to leave the Amish but I can tell you that within their community, there is no theft, no violence, no trouble and always love for their neighbors. While their lifestyle may be limited by our standards. The Amish are better off than we are in many ways

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Disagree.

[@7861hotcakes]

This interview is so incomplete it left me wondering...with loads of QUESTIONS

[@studypartner9643]

It's a big push my media to bash them over the next 20 years or more. The same way they broke apart the mountain people in kentucky

[@studypartner9643]

It's a big push my media to bash them over the next 20 years or more. The same way they broke apart the mountain people in kentucky

[@ashlynfinn3003]

7861hotcakes thatd the point, read her book😉

[@leadesjarlais9305]

Right?! But we got to hear about 4 different times about the lack of indoor plumbing and how she didn’t know any of the presidents. And then went through the names of different presidents she already said she didn’t know were president 🤦🏼‍♀️... how about talking more about the escape. Where she spent her 1st night, first day of freedom. What her first job was (considering she barely had the equivalent of a primary school diploma).

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

Kudos to the girl, Megan is a terrible interviewer. She must have been trying to push the book. That is why I dislike these shows. They put an 'entertainment' spin on everything.

[@elmalloc]

well, she came from Fox, so.

[@bartduynstee1577]

ofcourse she is there to push the book. why else?

[@shkim103]

This is the US. Let the Amish people live the way they want. This is a free country.

[@carlosevilla3179]

She's so genuine

[@katieburba8219]

My grandma is ex Amish she was part of a less stricter community she left when she was 19 and we still have contact with alot of our Amish relatives .

[@studypartner9643]

Yeah this is just a media bashing. They want them broken up the same way they broke up the mountain people of kentucky. They want them paying more

[@sarahcruz4573]

My mother is ex Amish. It was nothing like this community, though my grandparents did move from the Amish community to become Mennonite. Still though, this whole interview is just a plight to disrespect all Amish culture.

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

@@traceycancio1795 wtf does that last "question" have to do with ANYTHING?

[@johndcruz3224]

@Elvis Ameb 🤣🤣🤪🤪

[@radiomandelbrot5868]

it's good to hear that there are Amish communities who will let their members choose their own lives

[@amandakelley1665]

Not all Amish are this closed off, just the strictest ones.

[@brendamcmillen9215]

We have communities of Amish and Mennonites that live in our county... they are less controlled as the Ohio or Pennsylvania groups. Some drive cars and some still horse and buggy’s. So many things have changed for them. They build barns, sheds, and also have a community store... selling to the public.

[@studypartner9643]

Yeah this is a media bashing

[@estarr86]

True

[@amandawilliams1859]

@@brendamcmillen9215 are you in Wisconsin or Indiana by chance?

[@brendamcmillen9215]

Amanda Ewing, I’m in Tn..

[@norabatungbacal6636]

She is so brave and so inspiring.

[@SecretPlacePsalm91]

"Clap for myself!" LOVE LOVE LOVE! What a gem!

[@callmeCINDY]

This whole interview she asked if she know about this & that! The answer is no!

[@ms.goodenergy]

call me CINDY ! I know, right? Lol. * eyes rollings*

[@maurydiaz-haylock8227]

Yeah I was mind blown, all Amish basically know about is the big/scary machines that roll down non-dirt roads.

[@melvinpeachey6963]

She is not the only one that left the amish. I did too and I can relate to everything she is saying.

[@fidelmercado2621]

Rumspringa

[@melvinpeachey6963]

@@fidelmercado2621 yep I know all about it

[@melvinpeachey6963]

@@fidelmercado2621 true story we used to do our dirty deeds Sunday nights and it was one o'clock Monday morning when I was ready to go home I turned my heater on in my buggy went got my horse out of the barn hitched it up to my buggy and left the horse take me home I kicked back and went to sleep and the horse forgot to stop at the stop sign and the cop was sitting right there so he pulled me over and asked me for license and registration and I said I don't have any lol. Then he goes you been drinking I said no he goes it smells like you were so I had to blow into this thing he had and he couldn't get anything he said blow harder still nothing then I had to walk a straight line and I almost fell over. Lol then he said you know why I pulled you over and I said no he goes you went through a stop sign...if I would have thought about it at the time I would have said well you have to talk to the horse about that I was sleeping. Lmao but I didn't think about it at the time

[@fidelmercado2621]

@@melvinpeachey6963 LMAO!!!!

[@fidelmercado2621]

@@melvinpeachey6963 I am not Amish (obviously, you can see by my name) but I live in Lancaster County. There are a lot of former and current Amish and Menonites here. I know a little bit from there stories.

[@travelingwithrick]

Peter Santenello is a you tuber and did a fascinating series of videos about the Amish/Mennonites of rural Ohio.

[@user-nh4tm6hh4j]

I live near and have worked with Amish my whole life. They are just like anyone else but they don't have electricity in there homes and most don't drive. They read the news, they go on vacations, they are pretty normal folks to hang out with and talk to. I was working on a project with an Amish crew one time and I was working with the head foreman and I made the comment that some storms came through last night and our power was out for a couple hours. He looked at me and said "Yeah my power has been out about forty years now. Don't know when they will get it back on" Some of them have a great sense of humor.

[@kathleenwalton3311]

After the interview she probably wanted to go back lol

[@annenna2354]

"What did you do for light?" Duh, the same way people have lived (and some still DO live) without electricity. What a silly question.

[@Funkiy]

Oil lamps, kerosene lamps, fire maybe? To be 100% honest im not sure either.

[@xx_epicgaymer69_xx41]

@@Funkiy wait people don’t use these on a regular basis?

[@Funkiy]

@@xx_epicgaymer69_xx41 No, most people use electric lightbulbs.

[@malakitity5799]

lol

[@eliasziad7864]

Who else just got a double 15 second no skip ad?

[@janetpattison8474]

I’d seen her book around.. now I want to read it! What an amazing person Emma is!

[@jrsx5826]

The Amish woman is beautiful. I love her personality. Great job from graduating college.

[@bonzie321]

Brainwashed by the Amish... then brainwashed in college again.🤣😅😂

[@BigUriel]

​@@bonzie321 Yeah college is bad best to stay ignorant, that'll really make it hard for the politicians to convince you of whatever they want you to think

[@bonzie321]

@@BigUriel What do you think the commie politicians are indoctrinating you with in college? LOL SMH

[@janetwhite7786]

Agreed. She is exquisite, especially as a teen.

[@marvinjones6821]

@@anaparada7219 Have you ever seen Amish people in real life? If not, google Amish. For an Amish girl, she's drop-dead

[@Silvergurl80]

She's amazing. Wow. Also classy because she did not neccesarily disrespect her Amish background.

[@karenrae600]

Bless her heart. It takes courage to break from a family that had closed strict religious beliefs. If you leave they call you an outsider. But you want free of their control

[@davidrodriguez-zr2uv]

As long as she doesn't get brainwash by the radical liberals and all the nonsense that are teenagers are learning from all these raical groups that are ruin are country.

[@PinkSparklerToontown]

@@davidrodriguez-zr2uv and hopefully she doesn't get brainwashed by far right extremist republicans either

[@leahwilliams368]

@@davidrodriguez-zr2uv lmao I hope she stays away from the crazy cuckservatives lmao

[@personalchefservicesofsues4362]

Great interview! Good job Megan Kelly. Fascinating content. So happy for this triumphant girl!!

[@karenhorton5412]

So interesting and inspiring. I am definitely interested in knowing more about your story so will need to buy your book.

[@abcdefu359]

I wish Megyn wouldn’t interrupt so often. Her words are very interesting to hear.

[@anthonyosby355]

By

[@VioletJoy]

I am totally amazed. This young woman is incredibly brave, well spoken, and intelligent. I'm seriously blown away and want to read her book because I want to know more.

[@parkerwilkins5495]

And then the interviewer asked the dumbest questions possible

[@linux990]

I recommend the book, finished reading it today.

[@cefelinmurga2156]

If I'm correct, all Amish people are allowed to leave when they are 18. They are released in to society, and can come back, or leave for good.

[@VioletJoy]

@@linux990 I just saw this message. I had forgotten all about getting the book and just bought it on Audible.

[@VioletJoy]

@@parkerwilkins5495 Right? 🙄

[@jonbanks653]

What a strong woman. I wish her the best. One of the main ways people degrade and control others is to deny them the love and acceptance of family interactions. Rare indeed is the 16 year old who can turn her or his back on all they have ever known.

[@tobascoheat6582]

What a BRAVE young woman!!!

[@CarlyCorrigan1]

The fact that she left knowing that thay was probably the last time she would ever see her parents or siblings is so heartbreaking. Please god one day she gets to see them again ❤

[@lucaswilhelmmeyer6943]

Children feels nothing for their parents. She will get old and feel it for herself... Then she will be sorry ...very

[@socknetea]

@@lucaswilhelmmeyer6943 sure she will bud lmao sure she will

[@applejack2911]

She is "Shunned",..you know what it is to be Shunned? Like she is dead to them.

[@christophermccord3316]

Once you leave they don't welcome you back and they don't leave to look for you.... even if they are your immediate family they are done with you....

[@luvmusic4507]

@@lucaswilhelmmeyer6943 Amish children are as close to their parents as we are! They love their parents just like we do, they just can't live that life any longer! And they find a way to visit their parents, mostly their mother!

[@crystalmanon6809]

The awkward laughing from Megyn/the audience made me cringe. This girl definitely had a very difficult childhood and had important things to say, but Megyn was caught off guard and resorted to the "no indoor plumbing!" banter. This interview was just bad- I'm sorry the girl had to experience this. What is sad is that many people see the Amish as quaint, old fashioned people who live on farms. In reality, there is a lot of abuse and manipulation in many of these communities.

[@ecomhicks]

IMO it was scripted to sell the book.

[@nickilovesdogs8137]

Crystal yes this is so extremely sad what is happening in such communities. It is a crime to withhold information from kids and adults. People have a birth right and civil right to education in all fields.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Crystal Manon I didn't know the Amish were so bad. It sounds like the Mormons.

[@gameplayfirst6548]

Maybe she missed some other topics, but she learned a second language. Did you?

[@glennw56401]

I wouldn't say that there's a lot of abuse, but it does happen, but its not condoned. I know personally an amishman who was sexually abusing his daughter. His community elders turned him over to the secular authorities and he is now in prison. It is certainly not the problem that it is in the "English" world.

[@deepbeeps]

I have seen hundreds of interviews done on college campuses asking the number of states, the capital of the United States, who is speaker of the house, and how many continents there are. The college students had no idea!

[@itslavonne2929]

What a strong and amazing young woman!

[@discobikerAndRosie]

To me, her story isn't unusual. I lived near an Amish community for years. Many still live in, or near my county. We became close to a family who ran a bakery. They babysat our daughter when I took college classes. She called them Mom & Dad, & learned their language when she was a toddler. They spoke Pennsylvania Dutch to her during their times together, & even spent the night a couple times. She lived as an Amish child until I picked her up, including Amish clothing on buggy rides. Their daughter was a school teacher in their one room school house. They're taught reading, writing, arithmetic, & spiritual lessons. This family had a bakery & a pallet shop, so they had a generator for electricity in the bakery. They used a gas powered loader on the farm, & also raised horses, & had crops. They had propane powered lamps in the house & a gas powered fridge if I recall correctly. No mirror in the bathroom because it's vanity but they did have an indoor toilet. We've been to an Amish wedding, which is rare for an English outsider, but we were accepted as family, & were included in school, & community activities as well. I could go on & on but there's no time. Each sect is different. Some are more progressive than others. Some of the people I knew decided to become English, & were shunned by family & community. This sect broke up & our "family" moved. There's a different large sect in the neighboring county. It's not uncommon to come across ex-Amish as well. Many run/work in local businesses. I wish this girl the very best. The Amish lifestyle is very difficult, especially for girls. They don't have the same rights as the men, etc. I respect their culture but I don't agree with many of their rules. Is a hard life & they know nothing of the outside world, except for the modern Amish, & those who travel often. Our uncle used to be a hired driver, which is how we met in the beginning. I've driven for them on a couple local trips. It can take a horse & buggy hours to travel to the closest grocery store. Many use the Amtrak system. I see them every time I take it to Chicago. There's a sect in Lancaster, PA & some in other parts of the state & WI that are quite rowdy. They don't follow their biblical upbringing like most of them do. But we as humans, aren't perfect. We all falter! John 3:16. John 14:6. I agree with Yo Mama. They didn't ask some of the important questions. The interview was short. P.S. Last year, our cousin married a young girl from the Amish family that we know. Her parents left the Amish community, so Delores is English. Plus now, she's my beautiful cousin.

[@mvannorden02]

Such a beautiful young lady. I'm glad she's happy and doing well.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

She is beautiful for sure.

[@plasmaastronaut]

she's plain faced: 5/10. just her youth that makes her look pretty, she'll definately drop to a 4 and maybe a 3 before she's 40

[@setapartone9311]

@@plasmaastronaut and you are a 0/10 for class or lack thereof.

[@StephieGsrEvolution]

​@@plasmaastronaut you're gross 😠

[@ponygirlusa]

@@plasmaastronaut Get off your a&& and get a job. What a parasite. Your mommy and daddy must be so proud!

[@surfer_playss124]

My grandma always takes me and my sister to Lancaster, and we went to this Amish farmers market, and they had the best food, and we actually we talking to this Amish family, and they were so sweet and kind

[@jmiller1977]

Emma is a real survivor who took on challenges that view at her age would have had the courage to do. I’ve met Emma several times, and she is very kind person.. she experienced a lot of trauma before and after leaving the Amish but I know Nancy is currently married and has a child . She has really done well for herself.

[@TheWaterMarbler]

Maybe Megyn Kelly could have prepared for this interview a bit more? 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@laurab2223]

TheWaterMarbler Yes thank you for saying that. She sounds so ignorant :-(

[@XenobiaWinterWolfMoon]

I know she is killing me

[@muls9571]

I know, she kept asking her if she knew who these people were, it clearly said she didn't know history and stuff. The girl looked like she was getting annoyed!

[@ecomhicks]

No, it was just a tease so people would ask questions, so..."buy the book". I see a lot of people in comments saying "Megan should have asked this or that.." trust me, they have a teams who have it down to science how to promote and market through these fronts like Megan. They know people will want to know more and "buy the book".

[@sanapoke2626]

meghan smelly is a disgrace

[@ltg102]

Wow, I give her a lot of credit.

[@merricat3025]

Ann I think I might actually buy her book.

[@IWantToMature85]

The Amish people are not bad.

[@rollersk8reviews881]

Amish have nothing to do with bieng an American. Americanize or they should go to another country, like Germany since they speak that language. The end of female oppression is in order and in the coming years it will be an end of thier ways.

[@karennetheryalves1811]

She was and is a brave and beautiful young woman! All the best to her!

[@sallyoconnor2015]

What a strong young woman I wish her all the best for the future and I hope she finds happiness ,may God bless and watch over you always.⭐

[@dsam6990]

For me the most critical question was not asked which is: what made her think that by leaving things would be better in the outside world, as she would have been taught the opposite... courageous girl!!

[@fromdestructiontoredemptio2840]

I grew up in Pennsylvania where there are a lot of Amish people. I went to one house & the women taught me how to make & can homemade vegetable soup. The ones I met were very joyful! I actually envied their lifestyle. Still do in some ways.

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

It's got its plusses and minuses I'm sure.

[@fromdestructiontoredemptio2840]

@Kurtis Wagner 😂😂😂

[@prairiemark4084]

I stayed with an Amish man (Pennsylvania Dutch) for a few days when I was 19 years old. I met the farmer when I was walking down a rural road and he invited to his farm. I visited him 3 or 4 times. He spoke very good English. He seemed friendly, joyful, intelligent and well informed about the world. We talked honestly about the differences in our lives and the reasons why they lived as they did. It seems like his life is completely different that life this girl presents. I always have viewed those days as a good investment in my time. That was about 49 years ago. I spoke to an Amish man in Montana last week in the train depot. He started the conversation and seemed like a nice guy too. I say always be careful about judging a religious group by talking to someone who left it.

[@colleenm4031]

@@Thunderchild-gz4gc as does any life

[@mariansmith7694]

What amazing courage she has.

[@jasondoerr8723]

Respect youreself and heritage .love your heritage .prayers for you

[@ValkyrieHeartTV]

I legitimately got emotional when she said, "I don't remember having any joy."

[@oliviawutam]

I was not in a cult but still grew up without joy or hugs, could use one now . . .

[@studypartner9643]

Yeah I don't believe that

[@annajohansson2726]

Interviewer: Did you know we had 50 states? Emma: No. Me: Sounds like her knowledge is on the level with the average American teenager.

[@kermitmuppet5610]

You're not just wrong you're stupid

[@chetthebee1322]

She can speak English. Millions in America can't do that.

[@radiomandelbrot5868]

she's got degrees and stuff now, she surpassed most Americans already, and it didn't take her that much time

[@victorkauffman3164]

@@kermitmuppet5610 Come on man just because you are some what knowledgeable doesn't mean everyone is. You are very naive and ignorant.

[@caitlinjesuisen7024]

@@chetthebee1322 Cuz they’re immigrants what do you expect

[@602ent3]

oh wow no dislikes thats amazing and good for this young lady she’s beautiful and deserves to be happy

[@lisas2538]

What a lovely woman. She’s so poised. How brave and strong. I hope she is happy. I wish her all good things.

[@danicachamberlain]

I feel like Megyn asked her questions in a somewhat demeaning matter! This is brave girl!

[@LloydsofRochester]

Somewhat?

[@colleenm4031]

Yes. Her questions were very shallow.

[@deannaschlabach]

My husband’s family is Old Order Amish. They were always taught English in school and who the president was. He never officially joined the church. But he ran away and joined the Marines. Different sects like the Schwartzenbugers are much more closed off. On a lighter note I thought it was funny when he saw his first electric toothbrush in 1982 and commented how it was the most laziest thing he’d ever seen. But now he is an expert in anything and everything electronic.

[@floralmist6824]

This is such an honest comment!

[@tooblessedtobestressed9715]

The cordless kind are mid-2000s... The plug in ones have been around a long time! LOL

[@tralalajjj8362]

Thats a nice story.

[@igotbandaids]

haha, you have an image of what your society wants you to have. The toothbrush may sound lazy but I got one so I could have better dental hygiene cause I can't go sonic fast (or at least for very long)

[@orbitalpl1]

Schwartzenburgers= black burgers haha

[@LisaLGruman]

Such strength, acceptance, assuredness.

[@mr.fahrenheit7009]

I would love to live like the Amish for a year

[@TheNoelleBBR]

Am I the only one who was extreamly surprised when she said she was born in 87? She barely looks 20

[@sarahcarr7343]

not me! I think she looks her age, 31 is still young. Rihannah was born in 88 I think she looks like a white version of Riri lol

[@chrisj197438]

Sarah Carr No she doesn’t look 30 barely 20

[@sarahcarr7343]

@@chrisj197438 she looks like Rihannah though am I right?! Same forehead

[@chrisj197438]

Sarah Carr Yes very similar

[@millbillkillbill165]

Probably doing all that armish stuff kept her looking young.. she probably got a hold of someone from school who snuck her a phone to use. And the rest was history.. LOL nah but that's really in the book.. we did a report on the book in school. divide the class up and every team agrees on the book.. it's crazy because I didn't know it was real until we were done with the book our teacher told us

[@shelholl4moloweeatwh]

Megan doesn't get it --- if you never had indoor plumbing, you don't miss it. And many Amish have joy --- many people who aren't Amish don't.....

[@maremacd]

Agreed. I feel like she was making fun a little. Insensitive.

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

Well,said. I agree

[@gg-gg_gg]

shelholl4moloweeatwh She asks things for her show ratings.

[@Miller98k]

I was raised Amish in Ohio, believe me, you miss indoor plumbing and you do realize the restrictive nature of the fundamentalist system you belong to. Yes, there are Amish who are happy and yes, there are Yankees that are unhappy, however-until you have lived in this system where limitations are placed on EVERYTHING, then you simply will not understand.

[@shelholl4moloweeatwh]

I thought Megan Kelly's overview was a little superficial and one-dimensional. . That was my take. My dad grew up the same way and since leaving (back in 1951) he has missed the community element a lot. He certainly enjoys modern conveniences, the opportunity to get a college education, travel, all the options he has had. . And he was always English in the sense that he always questioned the system. I know I don't understand it from personal experience, but I have had a front row seat to it.

[@stevemourer1957]

Not all Amish communities are the same. The community elders set the standard for the community. Many communities teach their children U.S. History, science especially agriculture science. I live in southern Indiana and the Graber Community is very progressive. The have running water, indoor plumbing, solar and wind energy, and yes the use cell phones and computers.

[@destinypowers1146]

God bless you Emma being strong. Telling your story. Standing up for yourself. Your amazing. Way to save yourself and get a life

[@EveCole23]

Megyn Kelly is the absolute WORST. She is completely incapable of interviewing anyone without coming across as smug, condescending and always manages to make me feel uncomfortable as a viewer.

[@sixtyfiveroses2968]

Me too!!! I cringe every time she opens her mouth to ask something

[@falidisu2139]

This is what happens when you sleep your way to the top- INCOMPETENCE!

[@annaelmquest5203]

Bob Dillahunty wtf. This is what’s wrong with people these days. Smh.

[@tanyavalishvili2247]

YES!!!

[@ausendundeinenacht1]

I always wonder more abt Why She Doesn t Do Her Roots more than what she says i think I don t like her EITHER

[@lockergr]

This interviewer is a serious embarrassment.

[@kingdavid4466]

Y U P

[@DMSProduktions]

That is WHY she is no longer ON NBC!

[@DMSProduktions]

Growing up in a regressive cult, is hardly the subject for light hearted TV!

[@kevinbarton1661]

james c - interviewer is just a Caucasian “Oprah” divisive silly woman .

[@DMSProduktions]

@@kevinbarton1661 At least Oprah is intelligent!

[@cynthiamt5803]

I don’t understand what is funny about the beliefs Emma held when she was part of the Amish community. She clearly does not hold those beliefs any longer. That’s why she ran away. Kelly’s questions are offensive let alone her tone. Emma seems shy and at times uncomfortable about what she tells. I admire Emma for being one of the bravest women I’ve ever heard of.

[@elsagerber5874]

Hi I selute you for your inspiration and motivation take care xo

[@happyduck128]

Keep in mind that there are many different types of Amish, so not all of them live like Emma did. Both of my parents grew up Amish. They had a much better education than Emma did. (my parents weren't Swartzentruber's, but Old Order Amish) Amish people aren't completely clueless to the "outside world". Some of them know how to use a smartphone, some know how to drive.

[@jamescadzow9545]

What a story. I'm proud of you for not wanting to be a clone anymore. The whole environment sounds abusive and toxic. She is a really strong woman.

[@tamaratamali1393]

Heartbreaking

[@lisalanthai300]

Inspiring story. God bless her 🙏

[@XenobiaWinterWolfMoon]

Megyn you're killing me did you do not do any research before hand?

[@DMSProduktions]

Nah, she's too dumb for that! She only got on there cos she is CUTE!

[@DMSProduktions]

LOL!

[@susanahardwickstarlight]

So happy this beautiful young woman had the courage to change her entire life.💖

[@scottrichard2735]

I was amazed myself. I guess change is constant after all

[@scottrichard2735]

I find it encouraging for my daughter to watch this video. Do you have kids?

[@pateygazer43]

Read her book, I did. She tells alot more , growing up and her escape. amazing what she accomplished.

[@vkvrso7197]

Thanks for this video

[@PomMom700]

She is truly an amazing woman. Be careful, the world is big as you probably have seen and people are takers... we need more givers, kindness, joy and love in this world.

[@LadyBeeSting2434]

I wish the interview questions were better. It just seems weird and one sided and she mostly is answering yes or no. I think somehow the interview felt disrespectful.

[@LloydsofRochester]

You got that right! Totally condescending and disrespectful!

[@rockstarofredondo]

You are right, totally disrespectful. But that’s how Megyn Kelly has always been.

[@christinealessandrini4280]

Let's buy her book !

[@robarerobare]

I love the young lady and her courage!!