The video above aired on March 31, when photos showing the conditions at the family's Waterbury home were released.

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — In his first public statement, the man allegedly held captive by his stepmother in his Connecticut home for more than 20 years says he's growing stronger as he begins the process of reclaiming his life.

His full statement, released Tuesday by his representation, David Guarino of Survivors Say, can be read below:

“Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am
choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and
my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now
that I am free.

I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. I was held prisoner in
my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months........

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