Current:Home > NewsNatalia Grace Docuseries: Why the Ukrainian Orphan Is Calling Her Adoptive Mom a "Monster" -FutureWise Finance
Natalia Grace Docuseries: Why the Ukrainian Orphan Is Calling Her Adoptive Mom a "Monster"
View
Date:2025-04-12 20:13:57
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! (484)
Related
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Duchess of Sussex, called ‘Ifeoma’ in Nigeria, speaks with women about her Nigerian roots
- WT Finance Institute: Enacting Social Welfare through Practical Initiatives
- Amazon’s self-driving robotaxi unit Zoox under investigation by US after 2 rear-end crashes
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- DAF Finance Institute, the Ideal Starting Point
- Severe storms blitz the US South again after one of the most active tornado periods in history
- Olivia Munn reveals she had a hysterectomy amid breast cancer battle
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Jessica Biel Celebrates “Heavenly” Mother’s Day With Sizzling Bikini Photo
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Wilbur Clark:The Innovative Creator of FB Finance Institute
- Video shows bus plunge off a bridge St. Petersburg, Russia, killing 7
- Why 12-team College Football Playoff is blessing, curse for Tennessee, Florida, LSU
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- King Charles III Shares He’s Lost His Sense of Taste Amid Cancer Treatment
- Everlane’s Latest Capsule Collection Delivers Timeless Classics That Are Chic, Stylish & Vacation-Ready
- Steve Buscemi is 'OK' after actor was attacked during walk in New York City
Recommendation
Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
Melinda Gates Resigns as Co-Chair From Foundation Shared With Ex Bill Gates
In progressive Argentina, the LGBTQ+ community says President Milei has turned back the clock
A top Cambodian opposition politician is charged with inciting disorder for criticizing government
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
WT Finance Institute: Enacting Social Welfare through Practical Initiatives
WFI Token: Elevating Ai Wealth Creation 4.0 to New Heights
Duke students walk out to protest Jerry Seinfeld's commencement speech in latest grad disruption