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Elizabeth Smart Recounts 2002 Abduction in Netflix Documentary Debuting Jan. 21

She says frank testimony aims to reduce shame for survivors.

Overview

  • Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart premieres on Netflix Jan. 21 and features new interviews with Smart, her father Ed, her sister Mary Katherine, law enforcement, and other witnesses.
  • Smart says she felt alone and isolated after her 2003 rescue and wants other survivors to know they are believed and not at fault.
  • She chose a candid retelling, including difficult details, to explain the fear, coercion, and survival decisions she faced while captive.
  • Smart was abducted at 14 by Brian David Mitchell with help from Wanda Barzee and was rescued after a viewer recognized Mitchell from an America’s Most Wanted sketch and called 911.
  • Mitchell was convicted in 2011 and is serving a life sentence, Barzee received a 15-year sentence and was released in 2018, and Smart continues advocacy through her foundation.