Diane Sawyer has once again taken the lead in bringing to light one of the most harrowing stories of abuse and resilience. The Turpin siblings, who endured unimaginable horrors at the hands of their parents, will share their stories with the world in a special interview airing on ABC on February 3, 2026, at 10 p.m. EST. This event will also be available for streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The special, titled "The Turpins: A New House of Horror — A Diane Sawyer Special Event," promises to delve deeply into the lives of these courageous individuals, who have finally found the strength to speak out about their past and the abuse they suffered.
The Turpin family first gained national attention in 2018 when 13 siblings were rescued from their family home in Perris, California. The conditions they were living in were described as shocking and inhumane, with the children often chained to furniture and subjected to severe physical and emotional abuse. The youngest of the siblings, who are now legal adults, are set to share their harrowing experiences for the first time. This includes the grim realities they faced both under the control of their parents and later in the foster care system, where they encountered further challenges.
The special will feature interviews with three of the youngest Turpin siblings—James, Jolinda, and Julissa. These siblings, who have largely remained in the shadows, will offer unfiltered testimony about their ordeals. Their stories, which began in a home where they were imprisoned and subjected to horrific abuse, continue to unfold as they navigate life after their rescue. The special will explore how these individuals have coped with the trauma of their past and the ongoing struggles they face in foster care.
Diane Sawyer, known for her empathetic and insightful reporting, has been a champion of the Turpin siblings' stories. In a previous 20/20 interview, she spoke with Jordan and Jennifer Turpin, who provided a detailed account of their experiences. This upcoming special is poised to offer even more depth and perspective, as the youngest siblings finally have the opportunity to share their own narratives.
One of the most poignant aspects of the upcoming special is the siblings' journey from a life of captivity to the complexities of the foster care system. The transition from a house of horrors to a system designed to protect them has been fraught with its own set of challenges. The siblings will discuss the dual traumas of their escape from parental abuse and the difficulties they faced in foster care, highlighting the multifaceted nature of their struggle for survival and healing.
The special will also highlight the resilience and courage of the Turpin siblings, who have shown remarkable strength in the face of adversity. Despite the unimaginable horrors they endured, they have found the courage to share their stories with the world, hoping to raise awareness about child abuse and the long-term effects it has on survivors. Their narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy and support for victims of abuse.
Viewers are encouraged to tune in to "The Turpins: A New House of Horror — A Diane Sawyer Special Event" for an in-depth look into the lives of these remarkable individuals. The special promises to be a poignant and impactful experience, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the Turpin siblings and the incredible journey they have undertaken to overcome their past and rebuild their future. This event is not just a window into their stories but also a call to action for greater awareness and support for survivors of abuse.
