X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Angelina Jolie's Daughter Came with a Tragic Past

The birth mother of Angelina Jolie's 2-year-old daughter, Zahara, tells Reuters that the child was conceived when she was raped. Mentwabe Dawit says that while walking home from work in 2004, she was assaulted by a man who "pulled a dagger [and] put one hand on my mouth, so that I could not scream." After Zahara was born, she "became malnourished and was even unable to cry," Dawit recalls. "I was desperate and decided to run away rather than see my child dying." Which is when she gave up her baby. Contrary to reports otherwise, Dawit says, "I have never disputed the adoption. I think my daughter is a very fortunate human being... adopted by a world-famous lady." — Ben Katner

TV Guide User Photo
TV GuideNews

The birth mother of Angelina Jolie's 2-year-old daughter, Zahara, tells Reuters that the child was conceived when she was raped. Mentwabe Dawit says that while walking home from work in 2004, she was assaulted by a man who "pulled a dagger [and] put one hand on my mouth, so that I could not scream." After Zahara was born, she "became malnourished and was even unable to cry," Dawit recalls. "I was desperate and decided to run away rather than see my child dying." Which is when she gave up her baby.
Contrary to reports otherwise, Dawit says, "I have never disputed the adoption. I think my daughter is a very fortunate human being... adopted by a world-famous lady." - Ben Katner