The story of Natalia Grace has been a topic of discussion for many years and has gained significant attention. The Ukranian orphan with a rare form of dwarfism was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett in 2010. However, in 2013, the couple abandoned the girl and moved to Canada with their sons. In the years that followed, the Barnetts labeled Natalia as a con artist who attempted to harm their family.
Investigation Discovery’s recent documentary, titled The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks, allows the Ukranian girl to tell her side of the story. Natalia’s former foster parents, the Barnetts, claimed that she was an adult woman pretending to be a child with ominous intentions. The couple then left her alone in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana, in 2013 before moving to Canada with their biological sons.
After being abandoned, Antwon and Cynthia Mans invited Natalia to live with them. The couple believed that the girl struggled to make ends meet and needed help. Meanwhile, the authorities charged Michael and Kristine with neglect after leaving Natalia alone.
Legal proceedings happened against Michael Barnett, leading to a trial. Ultimately, a verdict of not guilty was reached in the case. On the other hand, Antwon and Cynthia Mans became Natalia Grace’s new parents and took her in before filing a petition of guardianship. As per the documentary, the Ukrainian girl currently lives in Indiana with the aforementioned couple.
Where does Natalia Grace live now and who are her new adoptive parents?
As mentioned above, Natalia Grace currently lives in Indiana with Antwon and Cynthia Mans. The couple has an Instagram page called ‘The Mans Family,’ where they document their lives. The official page features photos of Natalia enjoying with her new family, especially her siblings. The couple has been vocal about Natalia and doesn’t shy away from saying that she is indeed a good soul.
In an interview with Dr. Phil in 2019, Cynthia opened up about how they met the Ukrainian girl after the Barnett’s abandoned her. During the interview, Cynthia stated that one of her friends called her and said she needed to come down and see something. She met Natalia on the front porch of her apartment, where she lived alone.
Natalia told Cynthia that her age was 22, but soon, the latter found out that the girl was just saying what she was told to say. Additionally, she denied all the things that Michael and Kristine Barnett said about Natalia Grace, mentioning that she never exhibited violent behavior toward her siblings. She said, “We have other children. We have a grandson. [Natalia] does nothing but love her siblings and her nephew.”
However, their journey hasn’t been easy, and they faced many difficulties while trying to become Natalia’s legal guardians. They filed a petition to become her legal guardians in 2016 but faced denials. According to reports, Cynthia and Antwon Mans had to prove Natalia’s minor status in front of the court. A hearing took place, and the couple submitted medical reports as evidence. The judge didn’t rule in their favor and stated that Natalia Grace was an adult.
As per In Touch Weekly, the couple had to withdraw their petition. However, that didn’t stop Cynthia and Antwon Mans to take care of Natalia. They eventually became her adoptive parents.
