A 32-year-old man, allegedly held captive in a home in the state of Connecticut in the USA for over 20 years, has spoken out. Celebrating his birthday for the first time, the man stated, “Today, I am starting the process of reclaiming my life.” In Waterbury, Connecticut, a man who claims to have been kept prisoner in his home for over 20 years spoke out for the first time following his traumatic experience. Rescued by firefighters after a fire broke out in February, the 32-year-old man stated that he is now stronger. First responders who arrived at the scene on February 17 found the man in an extremely weak state in the house where they had responded to an active fire call. Authorities noted that the man, standing at 1.75 meters tall, weighed only 60 lbs (approximately 31 kilograms). The man stated that he intentionally started the fire and had been kept captive by his foster mother since he was 11 years old. Referring to himself as “S” in his statement, the victim said, “I have been a victim of captivity and domestic violence for over 20 years. From the time when I was taken from fourth grade at the age of 11 to the day when I intentionally caused the fire that liberated me at 31, I was a captive in my home.” The statement was made public by David Guarino, a volunteer spokesperson for the organization Survivors Say, which supports the victim. The man, who did not reveal his real name, stated, “The name given by my family when I was born is not the one I will use. I am choosing a new name for myself, and this is the first choice I make with my freedom.” CELEBRATING HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY Ever Grateful to the firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, S expressed his emotions by saying, “For the first time in my life, I was able to have a birthday party. This is a great happiness for me.” He also expressed thankfulness for the GoFundMe campaign initiated by Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which raised over $270,000. The raised funds will be used for medical and emotional recovery, housing, living expenses, and legal processes. “THIS IS NOT JUST A STORY. THIS IS MY LIFE” He continued his words by stating, “I want everyone involved in my story to collaborate fully with the authorities in seeking justice. I also request the media and the public to respect my privacy during this process. This is not just a story. This is my life.” FOSTER MOTHER REFUTES ALLEGATIONS Regarding the incident, S’s foster mother Kimberly Sullivan was arrested. Sullivan faces various charges, including unlawful restraint, assault, kidnapping, and recklessly endangering. Sullivan’s lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, denied the charges, claiming that the true culprit was the victim’s deceased father. Stating, “She did not restrict him in any way, provided him with food and shelter,” Attorney Ioannis Kaloidis noted that his client was surprised by the charges.