ABC 20/20 “The Pointe of No Return” September 13 2024 Recap & Preview
An all-new episode of “20/20” is set to air on September 13, 2024, at 9:01 p.m. EDT on ABC, featuring an exclusive interview with Ashley Benefield, a former ballet dancer at the center of the highly publicized “Black Swan Trial.” In this revealing segment, Benefield speaks with co-anchor Deborah Roberts, breaking her silence on the tragic events that have captivated national attention.
In 2016, Ashley Benefield, who was then an aspiring ballerina, met Doug Benefield, a Navy veteran and businessman, in Palm Beach, Florida. Their whirlwind romance led to a swift marriage, but their dreams of establishing the American National Ballet faced significant hurdles due to funding issues. As their personal and professional lives unraveled, their relationship became increasingly strained.
In September 2020, Ashley shot Doug in their Florida home, claiming self-defense and citing years of domestic abuse. She invoked Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, but Doug’s family and friends contested her claims, describing her actions as manipulative and deceitful. The case, with its stark contrasts of grace versus alleged violence, drew significant media attention and public debate.
This episode will include interviews with key figures such as Ashley’s mother Alicia Byers, Doug’s daughter Eva Benefield, and various legal and personal acquaintances involved in the case. Viewers will gain deeper insights into the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the ongoing legal challenges faced by Benefield.
Don’t miss this compelling episode of “20/20,” airing on ABC and available the next day on Hulu.