Amanda Berry made a guest appearance at Roverfest, a daylong concert in Cleveland on Saturday, invited by radio host Rover “to make up for 10 years of partying,” he jokingly explained in a Tweet. “Glad she came!” he added.
Much of the community—at the concert and online—have supported Berry, 27, in returning to some normal activities after being held captive for a decade. Ariel Castro pleaded guilty to 937 counts on Friday, carrying a life sentence and then some, for holding and abusing women including Berry in his home.
“I didn’t see her cry,” said Rover, whose real name is Shane French, to The Associated Press. “But I think she was pretty overwhelmed by the response that the crowd gave her. … She just seemed to be having a great time.”
Barbara Zaro Schellenberg wrote on the Cleveland Courage Fund Facebook page, which was set up to raise money for the abducted women: “Good for her. She’s been a prisoner far too long. Live your life.”
Jan Bister wrote: “Bless these women! I am amazed at their strength and positive outlook...wishing them all the best!”
The Cleveland Courage Fund has raised $1.2 million from more than 10,000 people to support Berry, her daughter, and the other two women rescued from Castro’s home, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight.
A representative of the three women released a statement following Castro’s guilty plea: “Amanda, Gina, and Michelle are relieved by today’s plea. They are satisfied by this resolution to the case, and are looking forward to having these legal proceedings draw to a final close in the near future.
“They continue to desire their privacy. They do not wish to speak to the media or anyone else, and they thank people for continuing to respect their privacy as they grow stronger.
“They are immensely grateful for the support they have received from family, friends, and the donations to the Cleveland Courage Fund.”
Amanda Berry at Roverfest
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
