Current:Home > ContactNatalia Grace Docuseries: Why the Ukrainian Orphan Is Calling Her Adoptive Mom a "Monster" -WealthSync Hub
Natalia Grace Docuseries: Why the Ukrainian Orphan Is Calling Her Adoptive Mom a "Monster"
View
Date:2025-04-13 12:52:21
Natalia Grace is speaking out about her time with the Barnetts.
After the mysterious case of the Ukrainian native—who was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett in 2010 when she was 6 years old—was previously explored in harrowing detail, she's ready to share her side of the story.
Though the former couple have alleged that Natalia—who has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare genetic disorder—was not a child, but rather a dangerous adult who subsequently attempted to kill them, Natalia has maintained that she was a young girl looking forward to her future when the Barnetts took her in.
But instead, she believes there was ulterior motives behind her adoption from the beginning.
"Kristine said that adopting me was this mission of love and never once did I see any love," Natalia says in an exclusive look at the ID docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. "I feel like it was a mission of boosting her ego type of thing. I feel like she just wanted people to be like, ‘Oh my goodness, like she's this amazing person.'"
As Natalia further explained, "'She just adopted a little girl from the Ukraine who has dwarfism and has all these different medical issues and everything like that. You know, she's a great mom for wanting to help somebody, right?'"
However, she maintains that her adoptive mom's persona was really a "mask."
"Have this really nice smile, 'I'm a great mom,'" she continues. "But and then it's like, pull that mask off—this is who she really is, like your true colors. Kristine was a monster. I didn't know what she was going to do next."
E! News has reached out to reps for Michael and Kristine Barnett for comment and has not heard back.
In 2012, the Barnetts petitioned a court to change Natalia's birth year from 2003 to 1989, making her 20 years old when they adopted her and accused her of attempting to harm them on several different occasions.
Michael and Kristine subsequently moved with their three sons to Canada, leaving Natalia to live by herself in an apartment in Lafayette, Ind., the following year.
Six years later, Michael and Kristine—who finalized their divorce in 2018—were brought up on charges in connection to their move. Michael was found not guilty on his charges in 2022, while prosecutors dropped their case against his ex-wife this past March.
The latest installment of Natalia's twisted adoption story will take a closer look at the "saga and the Barnetts' allegations from Natalia's perspective," according to a press release from ID, "offering insight into what really went on behind closed doors in the Barnetts' home."
The three-night docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks kicks off Jan. 1 at 9/8c on ID.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (56)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- Kentucky clerk who opposed gay marriage appeals ruling over attorney fees
- Wisconsin agrees to drop ban on carrying firearms while fishing following challenge
- Andrew Tate’s defamation lawsuit against human trafficking accuser can go to trial, judge says
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Graphic footage shows law enforcement standing over body of Trump rally shooter
- Graphic footage shows law enforcement standing over body of Trump rally shooter
- Michael Phelps Shares Mental Health Advice for 2024 Paris Olympians
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Man gets life without parole in 1988 killing and sexual assault of woman in Boston
Ranking
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Raiders receiver Michael Gallup retiring at 28 years old
- Two new bobbleheads feature bloody Trump with fist in air, another with bandage over ear
- Louis Tomlinson's Sister Lottie Shares How Family Grieved Devastating Deaths of Mom and Teen Sister
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Airline Food
- A retirement surge is here. These industries will be hit hardest.
- 2nd suspect arrested in triple homicide case at a Phoenix-area apartment, police say
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
How much is $1,000 a month worth? New study explores impact of basic income
Man who attacked author Salman Rushdie charged with supporting terrorist group
Scott Disick Shares Rare Photo of His and Kourtney Kardashian’s 14-Year-Old Son Mason
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
Snoop Dogg gets his black belt, and judo move named after him, at Paris Olympics
What people think they need to retire is flat from last year, but it's still $1.8 million
MLS All-Star Game vs. Liga MX: Rosters, game time, how to watch on live stream