Zahara Jolie-Pitt Conceived During Rape, Her Mother Says

Zahara, the Ethiopian-born two-year-old daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, was conceived during a rape, according to the girl’s biological mother, Mentwabe Dawit. The alleged attack occurred in 2004 after Ms. Dawit, now 24, had finished working at a construction site in the nation situated on the Horn of Africa.

In an interview with Reuters, the woman described the violent ordeal: “He pulled a dagger, put one hand on my mouth, so that I could not scream. He then raped me and disappeared.” Ms. Dawit also said that she was afraid to admit to anyone that she was raped, because she lives “in a community where rape is considered a taboo, even if what happened happened forcibly." When Zahara, who was formerly named Yemsrach, was born, she was reportedly on the verge of dying. It was because of Zahara’s critical state, Ms. Dawit said, that her mother put the child up for adoption.

“I have never disputed the adoption of my baby by Angelina Jolie,” she said in the interview. “I think my daughter is a very fortunate human being to be adopted by a world famous lady. I wish them both all the success they deserve.”