Now Magazine | All the celebrity gossip
Goodtoknow-network-site
Now video: Watch new photo shoots, trailers, red carpet, celebrity interviews, fashion and beauty how to videos and more

Wednesday, 21 November 2007

Mum of Angelina Jolie's daughter was raped

Zahara's biological mum reveals Zahara was born after attack

Angelina Jolie and Zahara

Angelina Jolie's adopted daughter Zahara was reportedly born after her mother was raped.

The 2-year-old's mum, Mentwabi Dawit, 24, claims she was sexually assaulted when she was walking home from work.

The incident is said to have taken place in the southern Ethiopian town of Asawa in 2004.

'He pulled a dagger, put one hand on my mouth, so that I could not scream,' she explains. 'He then raped me and disappeared.'

Mentwabi has not spoken about her ordeal until now.

'I feared the consequences of being raped in a community where rape is considered a taboo, 'she explains, 'even if what happened happened forcibly.'

Mentwabi says she decided to give up Zahara - who was initially named Yemsrach - because she thought she was seriously ill.

'She became malnourished and was even unable to cry,' she says. 'I was desperate and decided to run away rather than see my child dying.'

But Mentwabi denies reports that she wants Zahara back.

'I think she is a very fortunate human being to be adopted by a world famous lady,' she tells the Daily Telegraph. 'I wish them both all the success they deserve.'

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to lose Zahara?>>

Share your view

Rate this!

  1. Not bad
  2. Okay
  3. Good
  4. Great
  5. Excellent

 

Star rating:Rating-4-star

AMAZING OFFER! Subscribe to Now Magazine - and save money!

Follow Nowonline on Twitter Facebook

Free newsletter

Don't miss out on the latest celeb gossip, sign up today!

Latest poll

Latest poll

Do you own a onesie jumpsuit?

Poll
  • Of course! They're so comfy and cosy (25%)
  • No, but I want one! (39%)
  • I think they look much better on babies and kids (35%)

Competitions

Remington_160x100

Remington stylist

Win Remington's new Stylist Collection and...

Enter Now