Elizabeth Holmes, Speaking in Prison Interview, Says She Wants to Continue a Health Care Technology Career

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Elizabeth Holmes is speaking out for the first time in a prison interview.

In a feature article for People magazine released on Wednesday, the ex-CEO of Theranos spoke candidly about her experiences in prison as she looked back at her tarnished career.

2014 saw Holmes achieve the title of the country’s youngest self-made billionaire following the launch of Theranos, a decade-old blood-testing startup she founded, which aimed to transform healthcare and garnered support from investors like Rupert Murdoch. However, after The Wall Street Journal published an article casting doubt on the authenticity and precision of the company’s technology, Holmes and Theranos executive Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani found themselves at the heart of a high-profile federal investigation. They were accused of deceiving investors and defrauding both them and patients. During her trial, Holmes maintained her innocence regarding the health scam allegations.

Holmes admits to People, ‘I’m not the person I used to be.’ Although she still insists on her innocence, she acknowledges, ‘There are actions I would have handled differently.’

She went on to say, ‘It’s extraordinary how people who don’t know me at all seem so convinced about me. They just can’t grasp my true nature. It makes you doubt what others believe and hope for the truth to come out. I’m walking this path by faith, trusting in the truth itself. But it’s been a living hell and a mental torture to be in this situation.’

The story of Elizabeth Holmes’ rise in establishing Theranos and its subsequent downfall was portrayed in the popular Hulu miniseries, “The Dropout,” with Amanda Seyfried playing Holmes. She was also featured in the 2019 HBO documentary series titled “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley.

During the trial, Holmes, who was in a clandestine relationship with Balwani before the investigation, claimed under oath that he had sexually coerced and emotionally controlled her, a charge he has since disputed.

Initially, we focused on acknowledging the occurrence of our relationship, she explained. Later, it became essential to forgive myself for any role I may have played in it. Moreover, I stood firm against admitting guilt for actions I did not perform. In essence, Theranos experienced failure, but failure is not synonymous with fraud.

She went on saying, “If only I had departed earlier, or if I had witnessed the mistreatment, grasped it – and why I didn’t – now I am learning to accept that. It shatters many, but somehow I managed to rise above it as much as possible.

During her time in prison, Holmes described her regular activities, which encompassed exercising, serving as a reentry clerk, undergoing therapy, counseling survivors of rape, teaching French lessons, and reading. Notably, since she was breastfeeding her infant at the commencement of her sentence, Holmes discussed her concerns with the prison warden regarding accommodations for breastfeeding privately. Eventually, officials constructed several private lactation rooms within the housing units to address this need.

Anticipating her release slated for April 3, 2032, Holmes shared that she’s been engaged in coming up with novel ideas for healthcare technology as part of her post-prison plans. “Every day,” she stated, “I’ve been diligently working on my research and inventions. I am unwaveringly dedicated to realizing my dream of providing affordable health care solutions for all.

Due to her stint in prison, Holmes found herself driven to pen down the American Freedom Act, a legislative proposal. According to People, this bill aims to “strengthen the principle of innocence until proven guilty and alter criminal procedures,” which she referred to as the cornerstone of her life’s endeavors.

Holmes has two children with her partner Billy Evans who frequently visit her. “It’s heart-wrenching to subject my loved ones to the hardship I cause. However, when I reflect on my life and the heavenly beings that have graced it, I find the strength to endure anything. It inspires me to battle for everything we share.

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2025-02-12 19:55