Elizabeth Smart reveals details of assault, and what she’s doing about it

Feb 7, 2020, 2:28 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:25 am

Elizabeth Smart discusses her recent experience on an airplane, and what she is doing to make sure ...

Elizabeth Smart discusses her recent experience on an airplane, and what she is doing to make sure other women can defend themselves. (Photo credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

(Photo credit: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — Elizabeth Smart is talking about a recent assault, but not the assault that happened during her childhood.

She says that last summer, she jerked awake and then froze when she felt a man’s hand rubbing her inner thigh. The two were sitting side by side on an airplane.

“I waited for him to say something, or give some excuse,” she told KSL Newsradio.

“He just looked at me and left his hand on my leg. I sat there in shock. I just froze.”

She said that when he didn’t remove his hand or even apologize, she picked up his hand and put it back over the armrest to his seat.

“The rest of the flight I sat there torn. I was angry that it had happened to me, but I also kept thinking, ‘what do I do now? What do I do now?'”

Smart said the FBI knows the name of the man who was seated on that flight. Their investigation is ongoing.

Reaction similar to childhood kidnapping

Her experience last summer reminded her of her reaction when she was kidnapped by Brian David Mitchell in 2002 when she was 14 years old. Frozen by shock.

She says that ever since that flight last summer she’s felt ashamed, angry, and guilty that she didn’t scream or do something.

So now, she’s doing something about it.

Recent assault motivated Smart to help others

The airplane assault gave Smart new motivation and drive to empower other women and girls. She says that’s why she decided to share the story of what happened on the airplane.

“I’m sick of being a victim, and I’m sick of everyone else being a victim,” she told KSL Newsradio.

After the airplane assault, Smart says a friend taught her a few self-defense moves. Then together they developed a line of self-defense classes through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. The ten-week classes offer a mix of different techniques and fighting methods and are taught with the help of law enforcement.

Self-defense and beyond

Even after each ten-week course is over, Smart wants the women and girls to stay connected and up-to-date with the skills and knowledge they acquired.

So she’s planning a series of workshops, podcasts, and other ways to talk about the issues of consent, boundaries and healthy relationships. It will be called “Smart Talks.”

And Smart wants other sexual assault victims to know something important.

“They did nothing wrong. It’s not their fault for whatever happened. If they froze, that is a completely natural instinct,” she said.

And she wants her three children to know something even more important.

“First, nobody has the right to touch you or hurt you or threaten you. If anyone does, it is not your fault. And no matter what happens to you, I will always love you,” she said.

Further reading

Elizabeth Smart’s attorney says kidnapper’s release is a tragedy

OPINION: With Wanda Barzee’s release, don’t forget Elizabeth Smart

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

19 minutes ago

Bring them Down movie review...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: Beware ‘Bring Them Down’ may be a difficult watch

Steve Salles says the movie "Bring them Down" is well-made, well-acted, but be nothing but misery.

2 hours ago

High tunnels...

Michelle Lee

Extending your gardening season with high tunnels

Setting up a high tunnel takes time and devotion, and it’s a completely different form of gardening. Here's what to know before getting started.

4 hours ago

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a Philadelphia Eagles helmet are seen be...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

BYU study shows Eagles may be playing “riskier” than the Chiefs on Sunday

The study analyzed eight years of NFL data to determine which coaches were conservative or risky on fourth downs.

5 hours ago

Hiring sign is displayed at a health service center in Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025....

Paul Wiseman, Associated Press

US employers added just 143,000 jobs last month, jobless rate slips to 4% to start the year

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added just 143,000 jobs last month, but the jobless rate slipped to 4% to start 2025 and the government revised November and December payrolls higher. The first job report of Donald Trump’s second presidency suggested that he inherited a labor market that is solid but unspectacular. Economists had expected about […]

5 hours ago

FILE - A Chevron logo is shown at a gas station in San Francisco, Oct. 23, 2023. Gas prices in Utah...

Alton Barnhart

Utah gas prices increased by two cents amid tariff concerns

Utah gas prices have ticked up from last week due to the threat of tariffs, according to the Energy Information Administration. 

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Elizabeth Smart reveals details of assault, and what she’s doing about it