Current:Home > MarketsNatalia Grace Docuseries: Why the Ukrainian Orphan Is Calling Her Adoptive Mom a "Monster" -WealthX
Natalia Grace Docuseries: Why the Ukrainian Orphan Is Calling Her Adoptive Mom a "Monster"
View
Date:2025-04-15 23:40:16
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! (33683)
Related
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Hurricane Helene is unusual — but it’s not an example of the Fujiwhara Effect
- Cardi B Calls Out Estranged Husband Offset as He Accuses Her of Cheating While Pregnant
- Vanessa Williams talks 'Survivor,' Miss America controversy and working with Elton John
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Sen. Raphael Warnock is working on children’s book inspired by the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000
- Oklahoma prepares for an execution after parole board recommended sparing man’s life
- Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize. Here's who it impacts.
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Tropical Weather Latest: Hurricane Helene is upgraded to Category 2 as it heads toward Florida
Ranking
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Judges set to hear arguments in Donald Trump’s appeal of civil fraud verdict
- Wisconsin district attorney pursuing investigation into mayor’s removal of absentee ballot drop box
- Digging Deep to Understand Rural Opposition to Solar Power
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Police in small Mississippi city discriminate against Black residents, Justice Department finds
- Alan Eugene Miller to become 2nd inmate executed with nitrogen gas in US. What to know
- Julie Chrisley's 7-year prison sentence upheld as she loses bid for reduced time
Recommendation
Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
Who plays on Thursday Night Football? Breaking down Week 4 matchup
7th Heaven Cast Address Stephen Collins’ Inexcusable Sexual Abuse
Chiefs' Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes explain Travis Kelce’s slow start
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
Vanessa Williams talks 'Survivor,' Miss America controversy and working with Elton John
Kane Brown's Most Adorable Dad Moments Are Guaranteed to Make Your Heart Sing
Lady Gaga's Hair Transformation Will Break Your Poker Face