Elizabeth Smart, Abduction Survivor, Joins ABC News as Commentator
Nine years after her high profile abduction, Elizabeth Smart is taking on a role on ABC as a commentator.
An ABC spokeswoman commented on Smart’s new gig, saying:
“We expect that she can add some insightful, invaluable perspective of what families are going through and bring stories to life for viewers,” network spokeswoman Julie Townsend told ShowTracker. “Her contributions will be very much focused on the looking-forward aspect of these situations.”
After the story broke, Smart released a statement through a representative:
“I am committed to giving back and getting involved where I can make the greatest difference through child advocacy work. Partnering with ABC provides a powerful tool to help me accomplish this. I look forward to working to create awareness for and helping bring other missing children home as well as helping to prevent others from experiencing what I went through.”
Smart, now 23, captured the attention of America when she was kidnapped from her bedroom and was presumed dead by many after she remained missing for the better part of a year. Her abductor was sentenced earlier this year to life in prison without parole.
Since her return home, Smart has largely avoided the spotlight, save for a few scattered appearances. In the clip below, she holds her own against CNN’s Nancy Grace.
