Good Morning Britain fans were taught the “spirit of Christmas” today when the show featured the “heartbreaking story” of a man wrongly imprisoned for 27 years.
Valentino Dixon was accused of murder and spent nearly three decades in one of the toughest US prisons – but he was innocent of the crime.
Speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid today (Wednesday 19 December), he inspired viewers when he explained why he’s not bitter and how he came to be freed.
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Valentino was jailed in 1991 for second degree murder, and placed in Attica Correctional Facility, one of the toughest prisons in New York.
But after discovering he had a talent for painting, he started to paint golf courses – despite never having been to one in his life, which gained media attention.
After years of journalists looking closely into his case, he was eventually exonerated and released after spending 27 years behind bars.
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Valentino was first interviewed by Good Morning Britain last September and the ITV morning show flew him over to the UK for his first trip to London.
He told the hosts: “No matter how much time I spent in there I wouldn’t let it change me.”
Talking about one prison, he said: “[It was] horrific, one of the worst prisons you could ever be in. It has a history of it and that same history hasn’t changed, even when I arrived.”
As well as crediting his belief in God for getting him through, Valentino told Piers and Susanna that he did “a lot of reading and reading a lot positive things”.
He added: “It’s such a negative place, it’s almost like it’s designed to break your spirit. I did a lot of reading of self help books, anything that would keep my mind positive and strong.”
He explained how drawing golf courses led to an investigation by golf magazine Golf Digest, which eventually led to his release.
He said: “The evidence was there to clear me, but the courts were not acknowledging it. After so many years of disappointment, I turned to my artwork. I might have to become the best artist in the world to get attention on my case.”
To celebrate his release he went to a restaurant and ate lobster tail.
Valentino Dixon, what an amazing ambassador for the spirit of Christmas @GMB , 27 years in gaol for a crime he didn’t commit, taught himself to paint, freed in September and not a hint of bitterness pic.twitter.com/elCT9p2HKN
— Neil Thompson (@NeilThompson62) December 19, 2018
@GMB Valentino Dixon what a brave man after 27yrs of hell a free man eventually after injustice, US justice system shame on y this happen after knowingly knowing he was innocent. Wishing him all the best & love everyday with ur wife as if it was ur last, live,💗 laugh & memories
— someone who cares (@mol_molly) December 19, 2018
Valentino Dixon.. wow his story is heartbreaking. Amazing man! #gmb
— Jessica Hollister (@JESSYHOLLISTERx) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/jenninscotland/status/1075304661089992705
@gmb Valentino Dixon. What a lovely man. Congratulations on being freed.
— Alison (@ALISONGBARMY) December 19, 2018
MUCH RESPECT TO THIS MAN. VALENTINO DIXON. who was freed MONTHS ago after spending 27 YEARS IN JAIL FOR A CRIME HE DIDINT COMMITTEE. Ultimately his love of art, and how obviously good he was opened doors for him, to get his case re- voked. Thus making him a DESERVED free man….. pic.twitter.com/VA9DTvC47k
— Tony O'Donell (@Anthony0195654) December 19, 2018
Valentino Dixon on @GMB what a story
— Matt (@MattD_93) December 19, 2018
Fans were in awe at his story, not only the injustice of his imprisonment, but his inner strength for getting him through.
One said: “Valentino Dixon, what an amazing ambassador for the spirit of Christmas @GMB, 27 years in gaol for a crime he didn’t commit, taught himself to paint, freed in September and not a hint of bitterness.”
Another added: “@GMB Valentino Dixon what a brave man after 27yrs of hell a free man eventually after injustice, US justice system shame on y this happen after knowingly knowing he was innocent. Wishing him all the best & love everyday with ur wife as if it was ur last, live, laugh & memories.”
A third wrote: “Valentino Dixon.. wow his story is heartbreaking. Amazing man! #gmb.”
Unsurprisingly, Valentino’s story will soon feature in a documentary and we’re sure a feature film will soon follow…
Would you watch a film about Valentino Dixon’s life story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!