The victims of the gruesome Cleveland, Ohio kidnapping case have spoken for the first time to thank the public for the outpouring love they have received. Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight have recorded a thank-you video addressed to the public, and have asked for respect of their privacy.

The video was recorded on July 2 at the law offices of Jones Day in Cleveland, and has just been uploaded on YouTube on Tuesday. This is the first time they have appeared and addressed the public themselves since their rescue from kidnap and rape suspect Ariel Castro on May 6.

In the three and a half-minute video, Ms Berry spoke first, smiling as she faced her camera.

“First and foremost, I want everyone to be happy I am to be home with my family and friends. It’s been unbelievable. I want to thank everyone who has helped me and my family through this entire ordeal. Everyone who has been there to support us has been a blessing to have such an outpouring of love and kindness,” she said.

“I’m getting stronger each day, and having my privacy has helped immensely. I ask that everyone continue to respect our privacy and give us time to have a normal life.”

Ms DeJesus, who was just 14 when she went missing in 2004, was asked in the video by Howard Fencl, vice president of Hennes Paynter Communications, what she would say to people who contributed and donated to help them, she simply answered, “I would say thank you for the support.”

Her parents, Felix DeJesus and Nancy Ruiz, also spoke to thank donors of the Cleveland Courage Fund, which was established by the Cleveland City Council to benefit the survivors, and everyone else who gave their support.

“I would to thank the Courage Fund and everyone in general. I would also say my community and my neighbours, every single one, they know who they are,” Ms Ruiz added. “So people, parents in general who have a loved one missing, please do me one big favour. Count on your neighbours.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for their help because help is available.”

“Thank you everyone for your love, support, and donations, which helped me build a brand new life,” Ms Knight read her speech. “I just want everyone to know I’m doing just fine.

“I may have been from hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face. And with my head held high and my feet firmly on the ground, walking hand in hand with my best friend, I will not let this situation define who I am. I will define the situation.”

Knight disappeared in August 2002 at the age of 21. According to her grandmother in a previous interview, she has undergone facial reconstructive surgery for injuries she suffered at the hands of Castro. She has also lost hearing in one ear.

Berry went missing a day before her 17th birthday on April 21, 2003. She was the one who screamed for help and got the attention of Castro’s neighbour, Angel Cordero. But because Cordero spoke little English, he alerted another neighbour Charles Ramsey to help Berry.

She gave birth to a daughter, now 6 years old, while under Castro’s captivity.

In May, Castro, 52, pleaded not guilty to 329 counts of criminal charges, including rape, kidnapping, and murder. His legal team was hoping to “avoid having unnecessary trial about aggravated murder and the death penalty” with a plea deal.

Related:
Ohio Kidnap Suspect Ariel Castro Pleads Not Guilty to 329 Criminal Charges

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