In a recent episode of Investigation Discovery’s series, ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks,’ the story behind the Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism has taken a new turn. The six-episode series, which aired on HBO Max and Discovery +, provided answers to lingering questions about this bizarre case and revealed shocking revelations that may prompt a follow-up series.
Natalia Grace, now 22 years old according to new blood tests, spoke out against her adoptive parents’ claims that she masqueraded as an adult. The Indiana couple, Kristine and Michael Barnett, adopted Natalia in April 2010, believing she was a 6-year-old. However, after six months of alleged strange behavior, the parents suspected that their daughter was an adult woman scamming their family.
The series delves into the conflicting accounts from both sides. According to the earlier docuseries, Natalia hoarded knives, placed thumbtacks facing upward, and even attempted to poison her adoptive mother. But in her most recent interview, Natalia attempted to clear her name, stating, “In every lie is a hidden truth, but you’ve gotta dig enough to be able to see it.”
The Barnetts successfully petitioned a court to change Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989, making her legally 22. They moved her into an apartment in Indiana and relocated with their three biological sons to Canada. However, neighbors in their new community noticed that Natalia struggled with everyday tasks and often went hungry.
Although Natalia was legally an adult, the Barnetts were charged in 2019 with neglect of a dependent due to her disability. Michael Barnett was found not guilty by a jury in 2022, and charges against Kristine were dropped this year. The series explores the motivations behind the Barnetts’ actions, suggesting they wanted to exploit Natalia for financial gain.
The documentary also raises questions about the girl’s true age and the circumstances surrounding her adoption. Natalia’s birth mother, Anna Gava, claimed that she gave her daughter up for adoption due to her disability. Furthermore, the judge who handled Natalia’s adoption proceedings was later terminated for corruption, adding to the confusion.
New details from Natalia’s latest adoptive parents, Bishop Antwon Mans and his wife Cynthia, further complicate the story. The Mans family has publicly defended Natalia and stood by her when she confronted her former adoptive father in the documentary. However, they made a frantic call to producers just weeks before the series aired, claiming that something was not right with Natalia and that they were done with her.
The shocking revelations and twists in this case have left viewers captivated and prompted discussions about the complexities of adoption, disabilities, and the responsibility of parents. The documentary series serves as a reminder that nothing is ever what it seems and highlights the need for a deeper understanding of Natalia’s story.
“The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks” is now available for streaming, offering viewers the opportunity to form their own opinions about this perplexing case.
