Elizabeth Smart

January 14, 2021 09:17 PM MST
On Wednesday night’s episode of The Masked Dancer, Latter-day Saint activist Elizabeth Smart was revealed to be the woman behind the mask of the Moth. Smart jokingly said that “it’s been one of the bravest things that I’ve willingly done in my life,” and TODAY called it “one of the more surprising . . . reveals in the show’s history.” But what motivated Smart to appear on the show?
1 Min Read
May 12, 2020 05:06 PM MDT
The latest video in the "Osmond Sound Advice" series features Elizabeth Smart as she shares a powerful message about the role forgiveness can play in survival. At age 14, Smart was taken from her home and held captive for nine months. Since then, she has worked as an activist against sexual assault and abuse and has shared how faith and family helped in her recovery.
1 Min Read
February 06, 2020 08:00 PM MST
Elizabeth Smart had always felt safe on an airplane until last year when she woke up from a nap on a plane to a man rubbing in between her legs on her inner thigh.
1 Min Read
April 23, 2019 02:42 PM MDT
When Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old, she was abducted from her home in Utah. For nine months, she endured rape, starvation, and torture.
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By  LDS Living
February 05, 2019 09:51 PM MST
“If I can help one person, if I can bring some sort of healing to one person by telling my story, then it's worth it," Rabbi Avrohom (“Avremi”) Zippel said after testifying that his former nanny, Alavina Florreich, sexually abused him for 10 years.
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January 11, 2019 04:25 PM MST
"What a miracle!!!" Elizabeth Smart shared on Instagram about 13-year-old Jayme Closs, who was reunited with her family Thursday night.
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November 20, 2018 12:55 PM MST
On November 19, Elizabeth Smart announced the birth of her third child, a little girl named Olivia, on Instagram. In the post, she writes, "So happy to welcome Olivia to our family!"
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September 19, 2018 12:52 PM MDT
After Elizabeth Smart held a press conferencelast week about Wanda Barzee's release, Barzee was released from prison on September 19.
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September 14, 2018 02:30 PM MDT
On Instagram, Elizabeth Smart summarized her feelings regarding the release of Wanda Barzee: "I ask those that have the power, and her family to start proceedings to have her be civilly committed. To my knowledge she has neither complied with medication or treatment and as some one who has experienced first hand just how depraved she truly is, I believe her to be a threat and a danger not just to myself but to the community, any vulnerable person. I am very concerned and precautions have been taken however I refuse to live in fear. I have spent the last 15 years rebuilding and moving forward with my life, having a family, and pursuing my goals. I lived in absolute fear and terror for nine months, no matter the outcome I will not do so again."
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
September 13, 2018 12:45 PM MDT
"In the end what defines you is how you react, are the decisions that you make," Elizabeth Smart says in a new video that gained over 2.5 million views in 12 hours. "So I hope that whatever you are faced with, whatever you deal with, you just remember that you are who you decide to be. You are captain of your destiny. You are the one who decides who you are."
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
September 11, 2018 05:55 PM MDT
After learning that Wanda Barzee, the wife of Brian David Mitchell, would be released from prison on September 19, Elizabeth Smart released the following statement.
1 Min Read
September 11, 2018 02:49 PM MDT
On June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart woke to a strange voice in her room saying, "I have a knife at your neck. Don't make a sound. Get up and come with me." What ensued was nine months of rape and abuse at the hands of her captors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. About these months, Smart said, "There wasn't a single day I didn't pray. . . It was the hardest time of my life, without a doubt, but at the same time, it was one of the most spiritual times of my life because I felt my Savior's presence so strongly in my life."
1 Min Read
June 26, 2018 04:17 PM MDT
On June 25, Elizabeth Smart announced on Instagram that she is expecting her third baby in November.
1 Min Read
June 12, 2018 02:34 PM MDT
"If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being," President James E. Faust testified when he spoke on the healing power of forgiveness. "Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become 'less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,' which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes 'that forgiveness . . . is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves.'"
1 Min Read
May 29, 2018 03:34 PM MDT
“At least they know she is in a better place, not going through the hell that happened to her that day,” Ed Smart said of Elizabeth Salgado's family after the returned missionary's body was found in Provo Canyon. “The pain of not knowing, you know, constantly wondering and worrying, it’s like this wound that will not heal.”
1 Min Read
March 12, 2018 04:57 PM MDT
Fifteen years ago today, Elizabeth Smart was rescued from her abductors that subjected her to nine months of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Since that time, Smart has become an advocate who focuses on protecting others from abuse as well as helping victims of rape, violence, and abuse.
5 Min Read
March 06, 2018 10:01 PM MST
The prominence of being a celebrity might be taxing at times, but it does provide a unique opportunity for people to publicly share and stand up for their beliefs.
11 Min Read
January 25, 2018 12:58 PM MST
"Can't believe this just happened," Elizabeth Smart writes on her Instagram post announcing her Emmy nomination.
2 Min Read
January 18, 2018 01:32 PM MST
Elizabeth Smart recently shared a message of hope to 13 siblings rescued from their parent's home in California.
1 Min Read
November 08, 2017 04:05 PM MST
Elizabeth Smart's captivity captured the attention of a nation. While the public nature of the darkest year of her life came with its own struggles, Elizabeth Smart has used her experience to become an advocate for change.
2 Min Read
November 07, 2017 01:19 PM MST
"It was a very serious, thought-out decision when I made it," Smart said about her upcoming movie, "and I am very proud of how it’s turned out, although I don’t think it will ever make it to my top-10 movies."
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
October 30, 2017 02:20 PM MDT
Child safety activist, ABC News contributor, and author Elizabeth Smart has bravely shared her harrowing story of abduction, rape, and survival with many.
1 Min Read
October 23, 2017 05:17 PM MDT
"We’re here and we’re talking about big, dark, scary issues, issues that we don’t want to talk about," Elizabeth Smart said as she joined Deondra Brown from The 5 Browns to share their stories of sexual abuse and survival.
1 Min Read
October 04, 2017 05:24 PM MDT
"I just felt like (this Lifetime film) was another opportunity to share my story, to help—hopefully—other victims realize that they’re not alone, and nobody deserves for these things to happen to them, but they do (happen), but that no matter how hard it gets, don’t give up," Elizabeth Smart said.
1 Min Read
September 20, 2017 02:05 PM MDT
Editor's note: The following story discusses rape, sexual assault, and kidnapping and might be disturbing for some readers.
1 Min Read
July 31, 2017 12:05 PM MDT
Fifteen years after her abduction, Elizabeth Smart says she is finally ready for a movie to tell her story. About the new Lifetime movie I Am Elizabeth Smart, Smart says, "I will say that it is the best worst movie I've ever seen. I mean, I think it's so well done. I think it was accurate. I'm very proud of it, but at the same time, part of me thinks I'll be happy if I never have to watch it again." Smart's story is currently being turned intotwo movies through Lifetime and A&E.
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
May 30, 2017 01:24 PM MDT
Elizabeth Smart, a mother of two and reporter on Crime Watch Daily, is now working as a producer and narrator on the Lifetime original movie about her harrowing kidnapping in 2002. Set to be released later this year, the movie is told from Smart's perspective as she addresses many of the misconceptions about her nine-month captivity and the rape, abuse, and starvation she endured.
2 Min Read
Fun
By  LDS Living
May 22, 2017 04:20 PM MDT
Elizabeth Smart shared the cutest picture of her with her son, James, on his blessing day yesterday.
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May 15, 2017 06:59 PM MDT
Elizabeth Smart posted a picture of her family on Instagram for Mother's Day, sharing the first full family photo since having her second child, James, in April.
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April 18, 2017 11:53 AM MDT
Elizabeth Smart announced the birth of her second child with an adorable Easter picture showing her 2-year-old Chloe holding her new baby brother.
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April 16, 2017 10:36 PM MDT
Two years ago, recently returned missionary Elizabeth Salgado left classes at the Nomen Global Language Center in Provo, Utah, and no one ever saw her again. She had arrived in Provo just three weeks earlier to study English. Salgado's family is still searching for their missing daughter and sister, along with the family of Elizabeth Smart.
1 Min Read
March 02, 2017 03:48 PM MST
Elizabeth Smart shares how her harrowing experiences led her to become an advocate, found a non-profit, and inspire others. "I would like to think that I would have done it regardless, but if I really think about it, I mean I would have felt terrible, but would I have spoken out? Probably not. And even if I did, who would listen? So it has definitely changed my life for the better," she says.
2 Min Read
By  LDS Living
February 14, 2017 05:35 PM MST
On Monday at the Sonoma County Women in Conversation event in Santa Rosa, California, Elizabeth Smart recounted her harrowing abduction.
1 Min Read
February 02, 2017 09:41 PM MST
At an Indiana State University speaking event featuring Elizabeth Smart, a police officer noticed an 80-year-old man playing with a knife, staring at Elizabeth Smart, according to CBS News.
1 Min Read
December 28, 2016 08:38 AM MST
As we look forward to a new year and a fresh start, there's still time to reminisce about some of the stories and memories that have touched our lives and helped us become better people this past year. Here are some of our favorite Mormon moments from 2016 that we hope will touch your heart once again and inspire you to remember the things that matter most and are worth remembering as you make your New Year's resolutions for 2017.
13 Min Read
November 21, 2016 10:00 PM MST
Everyone loves a good wedding photo, especially when it's backdropped by a beautiful temple. Check out these 10 wedding photos from famous Mormons:
5 Min Read
November 07, 2016 12:14 PM MST
At a ceremony honoring them for their humanitarian work, President Russell M. Nelson and Elizabeth Smart noted how they have come to develop compassion for those who suffer. Though a dark part of her past, Elizabeth Smart noted that were it not for her kidnapping, she "would never have known what it was like to be hungry, to go without, to be cold." And President Nelson noted of his experience, “Speaking of refugees, our hearts have been touched—indeed, nearly broken—as we have recently observed the unimaginable hardships that millions have had to endure."
1 Min Read
September 02, 2016 01:30 PM MDT
Recently, in an interview with Broadly, Elizabeth Smart shared some of the unintentional but devastating and potentially crippling side effects that can result from the way Mormon culture addresses chastity.
3 Min Read
August 19, 2016 06:48 PM MDT
Disclaimer: The following content contains subjects that may be troubling for some readers regarding rape, abduction, and pornography.
1 Min Read
May 27, 2016 12:40 PM MDT
Former BYU student Elizabeth Smart interviewed two BYU graduates in her first turn as a correspondent for the Fox TV show Crime Watch Daily. The graduates said they were raped while they were students and then were investigated by the Honor Code Office.
1 Min Read
May 16, 2016 07:00 PM MDT
*Editor's Note: This story summarizes some of the experiences Elizabeth Smart Gilbert shared from her personal life, including being kidnapped and raped when 14 years old. Some details may be disturbing to readers. Read at your own discretion.
3 Min Read
March 21, 2016 03:32 PM MDT
On June 5, 2002, fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart, the daughter of a close-knit Mormon family, was taken from her home in the middle of the night by religious fanatic, Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. She was kept chained, dressed in disguise, repeatedly raped, and told she and her family would be killed if she tried to escape. After her rescue on March 12, 2003, she rejoined her family and worked to pick up the pieces of her life.
1 Min Read
February 16, 2016 02:13 PM MST
Two years ago on a cold blue night in Park City, Utah, Elizabeth Smart (Gilmour) saved a teen’s life. But the real miracle? Smart wasn’t even there.
1 Min Read
January 16, 2016 01:55 PM MST
Caution: The following article provides quotes and accounts from Elizabeth Smart's life that some readers may find disturbing.
2 Min Read
November 10, 2015 05:51 PM MST
MR says: We are so happy for Elizabeth Smart, who is now living out her greatest aspiration to be a mother.
1 Min Read
February 21, 2012 03:04 PM MST
Elizabeth Smart and her new husband Matthew Gilmour were spotted for the first time since their quickly-planned Saturday wedding in a Mormon temple in Hawaii. During their trip to a local grocery store on Monday, the kidnap victim flashed the first view of her impressive and unique wedding ring.
1 Min Read
February 20, 2012 01:48 PM MST
Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour were married Saturday on the North Shore of the island of Oahu. The couple exchanged vows at the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in front of a small group of immediate family members, according to a statement released by Smart family spokesman Chris Thomas.
1 Min Read
September 20, 2011 04:03 AM MDT
Faith, Forgiveness, and Hope for the Future
6 Min Read
August 09, 2011 04:00 PM MDT
Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped in 2002 and missing for nine months, was in Dallas on Monday to tell law enforcement workers about her "sojourn into hell" and urge investigators to never give up on finding a missing child. "We can never do enough when it comes to bringing a child home," said Smart, now 23. "Never doubt your efforts or give up on that child because that one child you save could have been me."
1 Min Read
July 28, 2011 02:44 PM MDT
Elizabeth Smart says she accepted a job with ABC News partly because she feels the media helped save her life. The Utah woman, who was kidnapped, raped and held captive at age 14 by a Salt Lake City street preacher, serves as a commentator for ABC News focusing on missing persons and child abduction cases.
1 Min Read
June 06, 2011 04:19 PM MDT
Late last month Elizabeth Smart stared defiantly into the face of her kidnapper for the first time in nearly a decade. In 2002 Brian David Mitchell, a self-styled Mormon prophet, claimed divine sanction in kidnapping Smart (then 14 ) at knifepoint, dragging her up a dark Utah mountain, and forcing her into a polygamous marriage during which she was tied to a tree for weeks at a time and raped almost daily for nine months.
1 Min Read