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U.S. Justice Department Opening Investigation Into Apparent Suicide; Accusers Angry Epstein Won't Be Tried In Court; Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Target Posing Direct Threat; Boy Promotes Kindness In Memory Of 22 Victims; Born To Box, Born To Win. Aired 11-12p ET
Aired August 11, 2019 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[11:00:00] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: High-profile businessman and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein found dead of an apparent suicide.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's such a shame because justice system should have worked and those survivors should have had a chance at justice.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Still, Jeffrey Epstein remains the tip of an iceberg.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: This hour, appalling, shocking, dumbfounding, just some of the ways people are reacting to the apparent
suicide of multi-millionaire financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. After he died in one of America's most secure prisons, many
questions remain then.
A gunman hunting for victims or a massacre stopped by a 65-year-old who grabbed him, put him on chokehold, and sat on him. A look at what police
suspect to be a terrorist attack is ahead. And --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATIE TAYLOR, BOXER: Six or seven years of age, I was born to box.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Born to conquer. She used to have to dress up as a boy just to be allowed into the ring. Up ahead, my half-hour special with living
legend Katie Taylor. It's 11:00 a.m. in D.C. 4:00 p.m. here in London, 5:00 p.m. in Oslo. A warm welcome to what is an exceptionally busy hour
here on CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Becky Anderson for you.
Well, questions around Jeffrey Epstein apparent suicide now turning into demands for answers. How was a high-profile prisoner with connections to
princes and politicians who just weeks ago was placed on suicide watch now able to take his own life? His death happening in a special prison cell
designed to keep him from doing just that.
The U.S. Justice Department is launching an investigation but meantime, conspiracy theories abound and those who accused him of sex trafficking
furious that Epstein will no longer appear in court. Well, CNN's Polo Sandoval joins us now from New York with the details. Polo, what do we
know?
POLO SANDOVAL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Becky, one of the big questions here is exactly how this was allowed to happen, Becky. And if you really
consider the guidelines that have been established by the Federal Bureau of Prisons here in the United States, it does lead to more questions because
it specifically states that any inmate in that facility that's exhibiting any signs of potentially committing suicide must be placed in a suicide
prevention room.
However, that did not happen especially yesterday. So the main question here is what took place here. Was it that prison officials felt that he
was no longer risk to himself or does this mean a possible violation of their own policies?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SANDOVAL: The millionaire financier turned convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein had been held in Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center since
his arrest in early July. He pleaded not guilty to federal charges after prosecutors accused him of sex trafficking dozens of underage girls, some
as young as 14.
His requests to await trial at his Upper East Side mansion was denied and he was ordered to stay at the federal facility. Prison officials say
Epstein was found dead in his cell early Saturday morning, a shocking news for Epstein's accusers who have continued to speak out in the more than a
month since his arrest.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Did Jeffrey Epstein rape you?
JENNIFER ARAOZ, ACCUSER OF JEFFREY EPSTEIN: Yes, he raped me.
SANDOVAL: Jennifer Araoz who told NBC in July that Epstein had raped her when she was a minor at his New York mansion tells CNN she was angry at
news of his death. I am angry Jeffrey Epstein won't have to face his survivors of his abuse in court. We have to live with the scars of his
actions for the rest of our lives while he will never face the consequences of the crimes he committed.
An attorney for Epstein called for an investigation into Epstein's death and released a personal statement to CNN blaming politicians, prosecutors,
judges, the press, plaintiffs, lawyers, and jail workers for Epstein's death. All these actors appear to bear some responsibility for his
calamity. All seem to have a share of Mr. Epstein's blood on their hands. All should be ashamed of their behavior.
Epstein's death comes less than 24 hours after thousands of pages of revealing documents were unsealed in a case from an Epstein accuser against
one of his former associates. The 2015 defamation suit was filed by Virginia Giuffre who says she was underage when Epstein kept her as a sex
slave for years flying her around the world to have sex with powerful men.
Among the men she claims she was trafficked to have sex with was Prince Andrew in 2001. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson denies her claims. In
response, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said, this relates to proceedings in the United States to which the Duke of York is not a party.
Any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue.
After getting news of Epstein's death, Giuffre's attorney tells CNN, the reckoning of accountability begun by the voices of brave and truthful
victims should not end with Jeffrey Epstein's cowardly and shameful suicide. We are hopeful that the government will continue to investigate
and will focus on those who participated and facilitated Epstein's horrifying sex trafficking scheme that damaged so many.
This was an Epstein's first experience behind bars. He struck a controversial deal with Florida prosecutors to avoid federal charges in
2007, and the following year he pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges spending just 13 months in custody. He got work release privileges
allowing him to go to his office 12 hours a day, six days a week. Epstein's legal team argued the plea deal was the reason Epstein shouldn't
be prosecuted in New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[11:05:55] SANDOVAL: There are two investigations that are ongoing right now. It's the Federal Bureau of Investigation that's looking into what
happened yesterday in that cell, as well as the Department of Justice Inspector General that's also looking into this.
Meanwhile, for the alleged victims here, Becky, they are the ones who are still demanding that justice be it in a criminal court or likely in a civil
court. As one of their attorneys said though, they shouldn't lose hope.
ANDERSON: Polo, thank you for that. And you've rightly said, there is outrage that Epstein has escaped justice. One of his accusers released
this statement through their attorney writing, I will never have a sense of closure now. I'm angry as hell that the prison could have allowed this to
happen and that I and his other victims will never see him face the consequences for his horrendous actions.
Her attorney Lisa Bloom joining me now from Los Angeles via Skype. She represents multiple Epstein accusers. Does that response reflect the wider
feeling amongst his accusers, Lisa?
LISA BLOOM, ATTORNEY FOR EPSTEIN ACCUSERS: I think it does. There's a lot of emotion, there's a lot of anger and how the prison officials could have
allowed this to happen. After the victims have struggled for so many years to come forward finally found the strength to come forward, found advocates
like my team to stand with them and they're ready to get justice, and now this happened.
But there's also other -- my other client said there is a sense of relief that he will never harm anyone else, that he will not be able to retaliate
against his victims. Many of the victims feared him even when he was behind bars because he was so wealthy, and powerful, and had a lot of
powerful friends.
ANDERSON: Well, the Attorney General says he is -- and I quote him -- appalled by Epstein's death and announced that the DOJ is opening an
investigation into the circumstances. Lisa, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate senator Kirsten Gillibrand is adding her voice to those demanding
answers. I want our viewers just to have a listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND (D-NY), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The MCC is known to be one of the most high-security prisons. It's where you put terrorists
before a terror trial. And so for this to happen raises very significant concerns in my mind. So I do think there needs to be a full investigation
about how it happened.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, that's certainly promised. Lisa, where does his death leave his alleged victims?
BLOOM: So here's what I've been saying to my clients that his death ends the criminal case. You can't prosecute somebody who is deceased, but it
does not end the civil cases. And my focus has always been on the victims and getting them full and fair compensation for the horrific injuries that
he caused to them.
Sexual abuse of a girl or a young woman causes lifelong injuries, damages to their reputation, to their relationships, to their self-image, to their
careers. Many of them were young models who just gave up on modeling in disgust after being exploited by this monster predator.
So we are finally civil cases this week on behalf of several victims. Others have been reaching out to me and we're very happy to talk to anybody
for free and confidentially. And I asking the administrator of his estate to freeze his assets, to hold them and not distribute them so that all of
the victims can make claims.
I'm going to assume that whoever is the beneficiary of Jeffrey Epstein's wealth is going to be a better human being than Jeffrey Epstein was because
that's a pretty low bar. And he did so much wrong in life but let's do right in death and let's take care of his victims.
Let's compensate them so they can get therapy, medical care, career counseling whatever they need to get their lives back on track now. I
would love to see his family and friends take that important step.
ANDERSON: He was a high-profile prisoner with connections to princes and politicians. Some of whom have been named in the cache of documents now
available to the public. Will further documents now be made public as far as you are concerned and how do these associated individuals fit into any
civil case or cases going forward?
[11:10:28] BLOOM: Very important questions. One of the advantages of filing a civil case on behalf of victims is that it then gives me as their
attorney subpoena power. And I can demand that individuals and entities give me documents, give me information. I can require people to come into
my law firm and sit down in front of a court reporter and answer my questions under oath. And that's just as important for the victims as
compensation
Answers, how was this allowed to happen? You know, according to some reports he had as many as three victims a day. I mean, this man was a
prolific abuser of girls and young women. He did not do this alone and we know who was involved and everybody involved needs to be brought to
justice.
ANDERSON: Lisa, this hour, the American president is spreading a completely unfounded conspiracy theory linking the death of Jeffrey Epstein
to his former political rivals, the Clinton. The President retweeting this post from comedian Terrence Williams, the hashtags Clinton body count and
Clinton crime family on that. What do you make of what the president has said here?
It's absolutely vile. I also represent four women accusing Donald Trump of sexual misconduct. We all know who he is. We know what kind of a man he
is. We also know that he was quoted years ago saying that Jeffrey Epstein was a friend of his who liked young girls. So I think he's trying to
deflect attention from himself. There's a lot of photographs Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein together.
But to suggests that a former president of the United States had something to do with a murder in a prison is absolutely reprehensible.
Unfortunately, we are saddled with this man as our president for another year or two, but hopefully, that's all it's going to be.
ANDERSON: The views of Lisa Bloom, attorney fighting for justice for some of Epstein's accusers. Lisa, thank you for joining us here on CNN
International.
40 people are dead and hundreds are wounded in Yemen's coastal city of Aden, that's according to the United Nations, after days of fighting
between southern separatists and the Saudi backed government. Now the separatist forces tell CNN they've taken control of the city seizing the
presidential palace.
That was yesterday. It's a major hit to the Saudi-backed government based there who were ousted from the capital Sana'a by Houthi rebels four years
ago. CNN's Sam Kiley witnessed the war's devastation firsthand on the ground in Yemen in just the last few months. He's now back at base
covering the story from CNN's Middle East hub in Abu Dhabi where we are, of course, normally based. Sam, a real battle for Aden as we speak. Why?
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Becky, a real battle as you say, a humanitarian disaster potentially if they're not able
to reopen the port there in Aden. A sarcastic comment coming from Hadi's interior minister who's just tweeted congratulations he said to the United
Arab Emirates that backed up until now at any rate, the separatists who have captured the city where the government of Hadi backed by Saudi Arabia
had established if you like as an alternative capital whilst of course most of them are residing actually in Saudi Arabia.
It's a complicated new addition to the violence in Yemen. I hope this report fileted out a little bit more accurately for us.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KILEY: Yemen Saudi-led coalition being blasted away by its own members. Militia backed by the UAE claiming victory over the government that it had
been fighting for, vanquishing the government's allies in Isla, an Islamist militia armed and supported by Saudi Arabia.
AHMAD MAHMOUD, YEMEN'S SOUTHERN TRANSITION COUNCIL FORCES (through translator): We dedicate this victory to the people of the south after we
were victorious over the Isla terrorist party.
KILEY: A spokesman for the southern separatists told CNN that they now control the whole of Aden having defeated the very government they had
supported in a four-year war against Houthi rebels in the north.
Saudi and Emirati troops vanished from the streets as the two nations saw their alliance collapse around them on the ground.
[11:15:05] MOKHTAR AL-NOUBI, CHIEF, 5TH BATTALION OF THE SEPARATIST ARMY (through translator): Today, we achieved a big victory in the capital
Aden, and ten battalions were defeated.
KILEY: Saudi Arabia has threatened retaliation against any group that does not cease-fire. The separatists told CNN that they would accept a Saudi
invitation to talks. But the millions of Yemenis already impoverished by war, this is what their future looks like.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KILEY: So, Becky, clearly what we're seeing now is the collapse really of the coalition against the Houthi regime. And for those two nations, Saudi
Arabia and the UAE, the quagmire that has been Yemen over the last four years just got a bit deeper.
ANDERSON: Yes, the UN releasing a statement, Sam, saying, and I quote here, "it is heartbreaking that during Eid al-Adha, families are mourning
the death of their loved ones instead of celebrating together in peace and harmony." The separatist were once part of the Gulf backed coalition, as
you rightly point out against these Houthi rebels. Is Yemen, now heading towards a war as it were within a war?
KILEY: I think that's what we're already seeing is a war within a war, a war between the separatists who've overrun Aden and the coalition that has
been stitched together very gently and gingerly, promoting the government of Mr. Hadi. But he has just met today with King Salman and others within
his government have -- with the Saudi King to try to discuss the "what next."
I think, really probably from the Saudi perspective, they're sounding out whether or not it's even worth continuing to support Hadi. The coalition
against the Houthis was always tenuous, always highly problematic, with groups formerly associated with al-Qaeda getting back in both from Saudi
Arabia, and indeed, from the United Arab Emirates, a very real Maelstrom in a mess, and, of course, highly embarrassing for the United States who
supplied weapons to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. And in both cases, those weapons have ended up now in the hands of groups that are opposed to
that coalition.
It's clear on the ground, the sum of the weapons being used by the separatists Americans supplied weapons that were either came by Saudi
Arabia or the UAE. So it's a mess. And yes, it is going to be at least temporarily a war within a war, which in the Yemen is already problematic,
because we've got the war with the Houthis in the north and then over in the east there's an ongoing counterinsurgency campaign against al-Qaeda,
also involving the United States and the UAE. Becky?
ANDERSON: Sam Kiley is in CNN Abu Dhabi for you. We have a lot more ahead this hour. Thanks, Sam. Still to come, Police in Norway say the body of a
young woman found in the home of the alleged mosque attacker was his step- sister. Ahead, more details on the investigation there.
And later this hour, Katie Taylor first put on the gloves as a child at a time when women's boxing was frontally unheard of in Ireland. Well, now
she is the greatest female fighter in the world. Her remarkable story featured in my CNN special Katie Taylor, Undisputed. That still ahead this
hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:20:00] Anderson: In Norway, a stunning turn of events in the investigation into the Oslo mosque shooting suspect. Police say the young
woman's body found inside the suspects home was his 17-year-old stepsister. Investigators are trying to contact witnesses in the area.
Let's get you more on CNN's Salma Abdelaziz is here with me and has more on what we are learning. Selma.
SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN PRODUCER: Well, that's right, Becky. They did last night after searching the suspect's home they found that body of the young
woman. She was as you said his stepsister. But there's more investigations underway to find out.
But what we do know now is that police are looking at this as a possible act of terrorism. We know that this suspect according to the police did
have a right-wing material online that he was looking at. What that material is specifically we're not sure. That he did express support for a
Norwegian leader that was leading the country during the time of the Nazi occupation.
So a lot of concerns and a lot of flags there especially as we're seeing this rise in hate and rise in the right in Europe. So the fear is there is
some sort of copycat attack or that he might have potentially been influenced by others.
ANDERSON: We know that life has been lost so to say, that this could have been so much worse is an odd thing to say but I'm going to say it because
it's true. There is a story about heroism here from one man.
ABDELAZIZ: That's right, Becky. And remember, this was supposed to be Eid al-Adha, the most important Muslim holiday of the year. People should have
been celebrating. Instead, this man, the suspect all-black carrying two weapons entered this building. But what happened next created a hero out
of a tragedy. Just take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ABDUL-SATAR ALI, COUNSEL FOR MOHAMED RAFIQ (through translator): Mohamed acted immediately when the shooter entered the room. He toppled the
shooter and pinned him to the floor, sat on top of him. After a while, board member Mushtaq came and helped hold him down. Then police arrived
and arrested the man. That is all I can say now due to the investigation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ABDELAZIZ: So you can see there a 65-year-old man overwhelming, overpowering this suspect who looked to be an all tactical gear, who seemed
hell-bent to come and create destruction in this mosque. So this community today, they're praying at a hotel temporarily because of course, that
mosque is now at the scene of a crime, but they do have one thing to celebrate, 65-year-old Mohamed.
ANDERSON: Salma, thank you. Well, after the horrific mass shooting in El Paso, Texas last weekend, one 11-year old boy is inspiring good with 22
good deeds in honor of the 22 people who were killed.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBEN MARTINEZ, STARTED #ELPASOCHALLENGE: So that's when I made this thing called hashtag El Paso challenge.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And what is your goal?
MARTINEZ: To challenge everyone to do 22 good deeds for everyone in honor of the 22 people who were killed during shooting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And his kindness is catching on. One woman says she's handing out gifts and including the name of one of the 22 with each one. Still to
come this hour.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SAM DINDI, ENVIRONMENTALISTS: Nairobi belongs to us, the environment belongs to us, and soon us can salvage the situation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: We head to an environmentalist in Kenya on a mission to clean up the city that he loves. That up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nairobi the capital of Kenya, with a population that has doubled since 1986. This is a city that's struggling traffic,
pollution, and waste. But even here, with seemingly insurmountable environmental issues, there is a growing movement of people determined to
improve their surroundings.
[11:25:09] DINDI: I'm Sam Bindi, an environmentalists. My dream is to see Nairobi become green and go back to his former glory.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Born and raised in Nairobi, over the years Sam Dindi has watched his city become ever more consumed by waste. Seven years ago,
he decided to do something about it and dedicate his life to volunteering and campaigning to protect the environment.
DINDI: Protecting the environment begins when we're at home. It doesn't have to be Maasai Mara or Mount Kenya, it starts from where you are.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: With a group of volunteers, Sam's day begins with a cleanup along the banks of the Nairobi River.
DINDI: It's full of the solid waste from the markets, from households, from the industries. The environment is degraded. It feels sad and awful.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Through the efforts of Sam and the volunteers, they have transformed part of the riverbank into a park for the local residents.
DINDI: I believe this is what you're supposed to do. You should copy this as an example and it's not hard. It just needs determination and they will
to transform our rivers.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But Sam's activism doesn't stop here. Heading to local schools, Sam spreads awareness about conservation to Nairobi's next
generation of citizens.
DINDI: Today, let's talk about air --
SCHOOLCHILDREN: Pollution.
DINDI: Air --
SCHOOLCHILDREN: Pollution.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Teaching over 10,000 schoolchildren about conservation.
DINDI: I feel hopeful. It's not all doom and gloom because this is the next generation.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: From River cleanups to school visits, Sam's message of cleaning up the city is slowly being embraced where residents of Nairobi
are taking responsibility for a cleaner future into their own hands.
DINDI: Nairobi belongs to us, the environment belongs to us, and soon us can salvage the situation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well, something special for you today. I'd like you to meet Katie Taylor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TAYLOR: It's in the arena where I've learned the most about myself as well and what I'm made of. My passion for boxing comes from a genuine belief
that this as what I was born to do. I've felt since I was six or seven years of age I was born to box.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, indeed. Katie Taylor is a trailblazer in the boxing world. She not only fought for a place for women in a sport dominated by
men, but she is now one of the greatest boxers in her generation. You can watch her remarkable life story in the CNN Special Katie Taylor undisputed
that is coming up in just a few minutes time.
Well, before we go tonight, I want to leave you with these striking images straight from Mina, Saudi Arabia. Over two million pilgrims taking part in
the stoning of the devil ritual marking the final days of the hajj, and ending with the Eid al-Adha holiday or the feast of sacrifice celebrated by
Muslims around the world.
Many marked the day by sacrificing animals to be food for the poor. And to those of you celebrating, (INAUDIBLE). I'm Becky Anderson, that was
CONNECT THE WORLD. Thank you for watching.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:27] RICK FOLBAUM, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, I'm Rick Folbaum, this is CNN "NEWS NOW." Police in Hong Kong are trying to break up protests as
demonstrations against the government stretch into the 10th week there. Authorities say protesters have blocked roads and thrown objects at police.
And they are responding by using tear gas.
Protesters are rallying against what they see as the Chinese government encroaching on Hongkongers' freedoms.
Separatists in Southern Yemen, say they're in control of the port city of Aden after dares of fierce fighting there. That's where the Saudi-backed
government is based. The Saudi-led coalition says, it's attacked on unspecified target in response and it's warning the separatists to withdraw
immediately.
In Southern Myanmar, the death toll from Saturday's landslide has risen now to 41. It's according to state media. It was triggered by torrential
rains which also caused flooding, nearly 26,000 people were forced to evacuate villages to temporary shelters at monasteries and other religious
buildings.
And that's your CNN "NEWS NOW". Coming up next, "KATIE TAYLOR UNDISPUTED", right here on CNN.
ANDERSON: Hers is a story like no other. The small-town Irish girl who conquered the world of boxing, and with it, changed the face of women's
sport forever.
Her killer instinct is firing a whole new generation.
KATIE TAYLOR, FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHT UNDISPUTED WORLD CHAMPION: I felt since those six or seven years of age, I was born to box.
ANDERSON: Fighter, trailblazer, and a living legend.
ANNOUNCER: Katie Taylor.
ANDERSON: Katie's story begins in Bray in Ireland. Where she first fell in love with boxing. I've come to find out what drives her.
Very good morning.
TAYLOR: Hi, yes. Come on. How are you?
ANDERSON: Katie Taylor, undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
TAYLOR: I can never get old hearing that.
ANDERSON: Sounds good.
TAYLOR: It does sound good.
ANDERSON: Amazing.
So how did get into all of this?
BRIDGET TAYLOR, MOTHER OF KATIE TAYLOR: Yes, well, I think from -- she was almost very quiet child, which she was always very sporty. She was sporty
in school. So, it wasn't kind of surprising to me that she actually got into boxing in the end, it was in the family.
Her brothers boxed, our dad boxed as well. So, it was a very kind of a natural progression for her.
ANDERSON: Katie faced an early obstacle. Women's boxing wasn't sanctioned in Ireland at the time. That, though, didn't stop her. Her dad would and
would be trainer Peter, put her through her paces as a young kid. Katie pushed on even pretending to be a boy to get some fights under her belt.
K. TAYLOR: Here's at the hair of my headgear and I used to be known just as Kay Taylor. And so -- and then, when I took the headgear off at the end
of the fight, and everyone realize I was a girl, there was uproar.
B. TAYLOR: It was a no-win situation for the lad to think in many ways, because I mean, if you got in and beaten by a girl, then, they were getting
slagged. And if they beat you, it's you're only beating a girl. And -- did you know what I mean? So, it was a lose-lose situation for them
probably.
ANDERSON: At just 15 years old, Katie took the first step in what would be her historic journey. Here at the National Boxing Stadium in 2001, she
took part in the first officially sanctioned female boxing fight in the history of Ireland.
K. TAYLOR: I just remember being so excited. I'm actually getting my first official female fight. And I don't think I realized how big the
event that actually was, or the enormity of it the whole event. And until I actually looked back to get ready for my first official female fight, it
was a history-making fight. And burn as well, boxer hasn't looked back since.
[11:35:03] ANDERSON: What do you actually remember about the fight itself?
K. TAYLOR: To be honest, I obviously -- yes, I won the fight. But I remember, after fighting that boxing round, I was disappointed with my
performance was. And the next date, there are so much media coverage around the event, and people are talking about the fight, and it was
amazing, actually. Since then, I really haven't look back.
ANDERSON: Traveling the world, picking up amateur titles, Katie was making her mark as a boxer. All that remained was Olympic glory. But to get
there, Katie had to confront convention once again.
Women's boxing wasn't an Olympic event. So, Katie had to fight to get it into the London 2012 games.
K. TAYLOR: I remember, I get invited to a -- to competition in Chicago. I was boxing them in front of the Olympic committee and the photographer for
I fight there. And despite the terror that I went, women's boxing is going to be in the Olympic Games, and also, is a huge pressure fight.
And for one of position being and -- you know, petitioned for women's boxing that they have are right. And I'm happy to think they pass it after
our fight, and women's boxing is in the Olympic Games out to say.
ANDERSON: London 2012 was the pinnacle of Katie's amateur career. The gold medal fight against Russia's Sofya Ochigava went the distance. Four
rounds of controlled aggression, the culmination of years of training, Katie danced, jabbed and weaved away to glory, and the hearts of an adoring
nation.
She rewritten the rules of the game, making history as the first woman to win an Olympic gold in female lightweight boxing.
ANNOUNCER: Katie Taylor.
No wonder that middle is such pride of place in Katie's makeshift trophy room back at home in Bray.
K. TAYLOR: This is the pinnacle on my amateur career.
ANDERSON: Yes.
K. TAYLOR: That's something that I dreamed off, as I says, since I was 10 or 11 years of age.
ANDERSON: Yes.
K. TAYLOR: And there wasn't a day that went by where I didn't dream of winning that gold medal.
ANDERSON: Yes, heavy (INAUDIBLE).
K. TAYLOR: Yes, very heavy. You should try it on. Yes.
ANDERSON: I think it's so worthy. I'm just not worthy. I was never going to be a contender.
She had rolled with the punches, changing attitudes and fighting chauvinism, and discrimination along the way. But then, this.
ANNOUNCER: In the blue corner.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She's maybe beaten up Katie Taylor in --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's very cruel to have to ask a fighter to sum up their feelings of obvious disappointment, but Katie, give me your reaction.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: Coming from Bray, Ireland, Katie Taylor.
[11:40:00] K. TAYLOR: I always wanted to be a boxer because it made me feel more alive than anything else I tried.
ANDERSON: This is what you call the shed, right?
K. TAYLOR: Yes. So, this is where I train pretty much all the time when I'm -- when I'm home for a few weeks. It's very unglamorous. Yes, it's
very derelict, but this is exactly -- this where all the fights are on.
ANDERSON: (INAUDIBLE).
K. TAYLOR: This it is.
ANDERSON: Wow!
K. TAYLOR: Yes.
ANDERSON: Lights.
K. TAYLOR: Yes.
ANDERSON: Camera, action.
K. TAYLOR: Hard work, sweat, and tears in here.
ANDERSON: Was it Muhammad Ali one said?
K. TAYLOR: Yes, I actually had a poster on my wall rolling off and my bedroom wall. Everyone else had like boy band posters, I had a Muhammad
Ali poster on the wall of -- with the quote of: "The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses behind the lines, in the gym, long before I danced
under those lights."
And that's what exactly what it's all about that the hard work and the fight their won in here and always watching.
ANDERSON: And this is all what you need.
K. TAYLOR: This is all I need, the boxing, that I got all the weight, the sledge.
ANDERSON: When you say, the sledge, what is the sledge?
K. TAYLOR: I'll show you how -- it's -- pretty heavy. Actually, it's -- you know, (INAUDIBLE).
ANDERSON: Oh, God, sorry.
K. TAYLOR: I just not -- I just need to (INAUDIBLE) you right there.
Yes, so -- Do you want to change on and to have it, girl?
ANDERSON: No.
Speak to a fighter like Katie, and they'll tell you it's the training they love most. The hours spent honing their craft, the footwork, the hand
speed, the religious solitude. Boxing isn't Katie's only devotion. Her faith is the other big constant in her life.
Your faith is really important here, isn't that?
K. TAYLOR: Yes, it's partly most important fact about who I am, really. And I grew up in a Christian household and I went to church every Sunday, I
grew up now, undergone a great plan for my life and I from --
ANDERSON: Psalm 18.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, exactly yes.
ANDERSON: I'm in a jacket. I mean these shorts?
K. TAYLOR: Yes, yes. That's right, and Psalm 18 is my favorite verse. I think I read that Psalm before every single one of my fights, and it just
became a mantra for me really.
It is God who arms me strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like to feel of a deer. He trains my hands for battle, so my arms can bend
a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory and you stoop down to make me great.
ANDERSON: But Katie, her faith is what got her through one of her darkest moments. In 2016, just months before the Rio Olympics, Katie's dad
separated from a mom and left the family.
Peter, who'd being alongside his daughter every step of the journey was no longer in her corner. Dealing a devastating blow to Katie's confidence and
her pursuit of a second Olympic gold.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the blue corner.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She's maybe beaten up Katie Taylor. And beating and out of the Olympic Games.
K. TAYLOR: I must say, it is very disappointing, I've -- it's been a very, very tough year.
My dad was obviously my coach ever since I started boxing. The 10-year-old we spent every single day together. And we shared many great moments
together and getting ready for big fights and big competitions, and we're definitely a great team that's for sure. But unfortunately, he stepped
away from the family, and there --
ANDERSON: Take your time.
K. TAYLOR: I'm actually in a good place at the moment, I'm just like every time I hope to bring it up, I can -- you know, it's small, but -- and
emotional, but just a breakdown of the relationship, just huge breakdown after relationship obviously, and that's just brought I guess so much
heartache and I guess I just couldn't really focus, and it was really, really difficult for me and that -- you know, you never know what life is
going to throw at you sometimes.
The ups and downs of life. I mean, you have to the highs or it of London, and then, the real lows of Rio, that was the top assignment in my career,
but perilously, it was -- it was -- it was actually heartbreaking as well, and that's life, really. Yes.
[11:45:00] ANDERSON: You are undefeated for five years.
K. TAYLOR: Yes.
ANDERSON: You then, lost three of the next of six.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, that's right. And 2016 was suppose the lowest point of my career, that's for sure. I was going to these competitions and probably,
unprepared, and trying to do it all on my own, and trying to trust other coaches to do it as well, and I just didn't have the same trust as I did.
And when my dad was obviously coached me, and just trying to get me my head together as well before these competitions was really, really tough. You
got through it though.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, and that's right.
ANDERSON: You got through it. You are where you are today as a result for the downs as well as the ups, right?
K. TAYLOR: Yes.
ANDERSON: It's this that makes Katie's journey so special.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She's lunging for. Good.
ANDERSON: She's not defined by how many times she's won, but rather, how she's fought back from adversity. After Rio, found a new coach, turned
professional and rediscovered her love of boxing.
If Rio was the depths of despair what happened next?
K. TAYLOR: Yes. Yes, I mean -- I mean, life is about mountaintops and valleys, and its great being on top of the mountain. But, now, the valleys
are the place that the mature you, and that's where a character is built as well. And I knew it after the Rio Olympics that I needed to change
something. My career was going downhill, hurt very, very fast.
I think at the time, I just wasn't enjoying boxing at all. It was a chore for me to take go train. And then, I knew I wasn't boxing well. And then,
went -- the minute I went over to Ross, he just feel the fire back at me, again. And started -- and then, should to enjoy the boxing again.
And I loved a train, I love that his philosophy I'll train as well. He's a real old-school -- about school guidance. It's all their hard worker, and
getting around of sparing into road work, and I just loved all of that.
ANDERSON: Having rekindled her passion for the sport, she then turned to manager Brian Peters. Who over lunch with Katie and her friends, talked
about the journey so far.
BRIAN PETERS, MANAGER OF KATIE TAYLOR: But like you got to say, even though suppose then, will you see Dan Katie and where you are now to know
what you went through. And you see the eyes and nose of -- it's -- you see that --
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sometimes that not needs to happen though. Now that (INAUDIBLE) agree and appreciate it and stuff like that.
PETERS: Yes. It was character builds. It was a lot of --
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, as bad as it is at the time, and then, it began to look back --
PETERS: Yes.
ANDERSON: Back on track, Katie is torn through the professional ranks. 14 wins in three years, six knockouts, no defeats. The undisputed lightweight
world champion.
PETERS: You know, Katie still learning, only 14 fights. So, if I could just --
(CROSSTALK)
K. TAYLOR: I am learning as a world champion, as is it becomes --
(CROSSTALK)
PETERS: Exactly, and learning --
ANDERSON: I love that. I'm learning as a world champion. It's just brilliant.
(CROSSTALK)
PETERS: Learning as a world champion and getting -- you know, and getting properly looked after for doing it, as you -- as you do your
apprenticeship.
ANDERSON: Back in top form and at the zenith of women's boxing, Katie is now inspiring a whole new generation of fighters.
ANNOUNCER: I've got new WBA lightweight champion of the world Katie Taylor.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:50:06] UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here's the two warriors. Incredible jab (INAUDIBLE). As her story continues to grow.
K. TAYLOR: My ultimate goal is to be the greatest female boxer in my generation and to build a bigger craft and actually for the next female
fighters as well.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Katie Taylor, the toughest battle she's singing in her professional career.
ANDERSON: In June 2019, at the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Gardens in New York, Katie faced arguably her greatest challenge to date.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For anyone who thought this is going to be an easy night for Katie Taylor, they were mistaken.
ANDERSON: Delfine Persoon of Belgium, vastly more experienced and the holder of the WBC world title.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's terrific. She's trying to get to the finish.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fight was brutal. Neither woman take a step back.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Taylor tries to stay on her feet.
ANDERSON: Trading blows with 10 grueling rounds in a fight described by many as the best they've ever seen.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Taylor tries to make the bell clinging wildly and who'll do it winning the fight?
ANDERSON: Of a partly disputed point's decision, Katie came out on top.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- battle here at Madison Square Garden.
ANNOUNCER: And now, the undisputed lightweight champion of the world, Katie Taylor.
ANDERSON: Becoming one of only seven boxers in history, male or female to hold all four major titles.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have a 97-93 for Katie --
K. TAYLOR: I just hear, I knew it was going to be where the toughest fight of my career. But that was definitely grueling, grueling fight. I was
definitely -- It wasn't my best performance, that's for sure, everyone, I think I dug deep, and I think I found a way to end and that's what, what so
-- that's what great champions do really. Whether or not at their best on the night, did they find a way to win?
And there was definitely a lot of controversy so far to that fight as well.
ANDERSON: Yes, and criticism about the result affecting.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, exactly. Yes, yes.
ANDERSON: Because I upset, I mean that must upset you, doesn't it?
K. TAYLOR: Yes, I mean, I think I'm -- that's part and parcel of as well. I mean, you're going to be in line for criticism sometimes. And it was a
really tough fight, I couldn't throw it away, you can't qualify if that a robbery or bad decision, but was -- it was a fantastic fight, and it's
great to be in it.
ANDERSON: Yes.
A five-year contender in Madison Square Garden, and come out victorious.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She is another (INAUDIBLE) on Taylor. We saw giving Katie Taylor with toughest battle she's seen in her professional career.
ANDERSON: I saw your face after that last fight.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, and Persoon's face is lot worse than mine. Yes. Joke. Yes.
ANDERSON: OK. But you were battered.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, I was. My face is out the hereafter and -- yes, after a fight and I had stitches on my head as well, but, you know, that's a
professional boxer. That you really earn. As I said, putting your body in the line everybody acceptance that ring. It's -- it is a bit of sport,
it's not for the faint-hearted, that's for sure.
And like I said, I have the prayer for that, I am conditioned for that, so that put up for all sort of the battles.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That might have been the best punch of the fight for either fighter who landed Katie Taylor. Nonetheless, she is now the
undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: -- beg your pardon.
ANDERSON: Let's talk about your legacy because you are a living legend. I mean, this is what you've achieved has been absolutely remarkable. And the
impact that you have had not just on women's boxing, but women's sport as a whole is unbelievable. You are a real pioneer. Do you feel that, and do
you feel a responsibility?
K. TAYLOR: I love that responsibility. I love the fact that I can have a positive influence and young girls coming up and be a great example to them
and I really feel like, you know, I has had a great influence on this nation as well, which is -- which is a great feeling to have.
Every single boxing club in the whole country is just packed with female boxers now and when I start at boxing, I see him -- I feel -- I felt like I
was the only kind of female boxer around. So, I had to see so much talent coming up is probably the most -- a satisfying part about this journey.
ANDERSON: Down at the local boxing club, Katie's legacy is already paying dividends. Boys and girls put in the hard yards inspired by Katie's
journey. Champions in the making.
K. TAYLOR: How are you? Hi. How are you?
TEGAN, FAN OF KATIE TAYLOR: Hi.
K. TAYLOR: Are you Tegan? You're the Irish champion?
TEGAN: Yes.
K. TAYLOR: I know all about you. You're fantastic, you're amazing. You keep it up.
TEGAN: Thank you.
K. TAYLOR: Can I take on the pads?
[11:55:02] TEGAN: Yes.
K. TAYLOR: Yes? Can I take on the pads? Yes.
One, two, that's a hook. Brilliant, amazing, brilliant. Your speed is amazing.
TEGAN: Thank you.
K. TAYLOR: Your footwork is phenomenal.
TEGAN: Thanks so much.
K. TAYLOR: I ask you to just keep going, keep trying hard and I think you're going to be one of the best ever.
TEGAN: Oh, thank you.
K. TAYLOR: (INAUDIBLE) because you own one of the best hands I've ever seen, and that's genuine. Don't ever give up, yes.
TEGAN: I won't.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, yes, yes.
TEGAN: Yes, thanks so much. Thank you.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, yes.
ANDERSON: Isn't she amazing?
What does it feel like to be in club like this, watching young girls as well as young boys? This didn't happen when you were a kid, right?
K. TAYLOR: Yes, this didn't happen. But this, this is just pure talent right here.
ANDERSON: Yes.
K. TAYLOR: The passion that they all have for the game is absolutely phenomenal. And I just seeing so many girls here.
ANDERSON: Tegan burst into tears mean anything.
K. TAYLOR: Yes.
ANDERSON: I mean, you're their hero.
K. TAYLOR: Yes, this of this girl.
ANDERSON: You talked about, you know, that being a responsibility to a certain extent, which I get. But when you walk into a club like this, and
you see that wall of emotion, that must make you feel good, doesn't it?
Katie Taylor has transformed women's sport. Made history as a boxer and inspired a nation. But she's far from throwing in the towel just yet.
K. TAYLOR: I definitely going to step out of the sport at the right time, but I felt plenty of years left asking me. I'm not even thinking about
retirement yet. And I am doing the spirit of champions, but I feel like I want to getting started really.
And unfortunately for my family, I think they'd love to see me hanging up with the gloves as well, to turn their -- to be count the thing before
every single fight out. And I feel like I'm -- you know, I'm very, very fresh and just so many big fights out there for me.
And I actually love my job, I love what I do, I love -- I love that getting at this ring and performing, and I feel at home in this ring, so why hang
out the girls under so much water to you.
ANDERSON: A talent for boxing compelled Katie to get into the ring as a child. But it's her determination, her faith, and her humility, have made
her journey truly extraordinary. Small-town girl who picked up a pair of boxing gloves and conquered the world.
ANNOUNCER: Katie Taylor!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
END
