Michelle Knight Says She Forgives Ariel Castro ‘In Every Sense of the Way’ Despite 11 Years of Captivity, Rape and Abuse

Michelle Knight, one of three girls kidnapped, raped and abused for 11 years at the hands of their captor, Ariel Castro, said she forgives the man who put her through years of unimaginable torture. On...
Michelle Knight Says She Forgives Ariel Castro ‘In Every Sense of the Way’ Despite 11 Years of Captivity, Rape and Abuse
Written by Pam Wright
  • Michelle Knight, one of three girls kidnapped, raped and abused for 11 years at the hands of their captor, Ariel Castro, said she forgives the man who put her through years of unimaginable torture.

    On Beyond Candid Thursday, Michelle Knight told Giuliana Rancic that she has forgiven her captor.

    After describing the countless horrors she experienced during her 11 years in captivity, Michelle Knight told Rancic she has learned to forgive Castro.

    “So you can honestly say that you forgive Ariel Castro?” asked Giuliana Rancic on Beyond Candid With Giuliana.

    “Yes, in every sense of the way. Even though other people may not feel like I should, but I feel like I should. It’s like turning dirt into gold,” said Michelle Knight.

    According to Michelle Knight, Ariel Castro tortured her, made her miscarry five times, forced her to eat food she was allergic to and left her to die. And yet, she still has forgiveness in her heart for the man who so mistreated her.

    Michelle Knight conceded that it took a very long time before she was able to arrive at a place of forgiveness, but said it was liberating. She wants others to know of the power of forgiveness and that it is possible to move on despite unimaginable pain.

    Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus escaped in May 2013 after Castro forgot to lock their door when he went out of the home where he held them captive.

    Castro was sentenced to life in prison plus 1,000 years, but committed suicide by hanging in September 2013.

    Despite her ability to forgive, there are lingering physical and emotional effects of her ordeal. She continues to struggle with eating, suffers headaches and gets sick easily.

    Michelle Knight legally changed her name, and looks forward to a normal future with plans for a home, marriage and children.

    Do you think you could forgive Ariel Castro like Michelle Knight has been able to do?

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