Amanda Berry made her first public appearance since being rescued in May from 10 years in captivity, at the RoverFest music festival Saturday night in Cleveland. The 27-year-old mother surprised the crowd when she walked out on stage wearing sunglasses, a black T-shirt and a large smile across her face.
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Berry's appearance surprised the crowd; the audience immediately began to cheer when they saw Berry. The MC told the crowd Amanda Berry needed their help to make up for all the partying she missed out on. The crowd again began to cheer and scream as Berry raised her hand in the air and never lost her smile.
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Radio DJ Rover invited Berry to the music festival on his show. The DJ had no idea the kidnapping victim was a listener and was even more surprised when security told him she had shown up. At first Berry was reluctant to go on stage, but finally agreed when Rover said she could bring her family. Berry never addressed the crowd, but rather stood up on stage and soaked in all the applause and support the crowd was offering.
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Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus were all held captive by Ariel Castro in his Cleveland home for over a decade. The three women were kidnapped and brutalized by Castro. Amanda Berry became pregnant with Castro's child as a result of his repeated sexual attacks.
Michelle Knight also became pregnant by Castro, five times. She told police that each time she became pregnant Castro would beat and starve her causing a miscarriage. Had Castro gone to trial and faced aggravated murder charges for each miscarriage, the prosecution said it would consider seeking the death penalty.
Castro avoided a possible death penalty trial on Friday when he pled guilty to over 900 counts of kidnapping and rape. The former Cleveland bus driver was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus another 1,000 years.
Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight made only one appearance together since their dramatic rescue. The three Cleveland women appeared together in a video thanking people for their help and support, while continuing to ask for privacy.
Berry appeared without the other two women when she was onstage at RoverFest. She was surrounded by family and friends. Rapper Nelly was preforming at the music festival and invited Berry back on stage after his set. Nelly dedicated a song to Amanda Berry and danced with her on stage.
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