Natalia Grace, the young woman at the center of one of the most talked-about adoption stories, finds herself grateful for her boyfriend, Neil, who played a pivotal role in her escape from her former adoptive family. After being abandoned by her adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett, and later adopted by the Mans family in 2023, Natalia's life took another dramatic turn as she sought to break free from what she describes as years of abuse.
The saga surrounding Natalia's life has unfolded publicly, most recently featured in the January 2024 Investigation Discovery docuseries, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. By the end of this heart-wrenching series, Natalia’s family appeared weary of her behavior, leading her to plot her escape, aided by Neil, whom she had never met face-to-face until recently. “At first it was just like a small message and then I grew feelings and he grew feelings,” Natalia shared. “I just opened up my heart. It felt really good.”
Natalia and Neil's relationship blossomed through social media. Their connection came as tensions escalated between Natalia and the Mans family, where she felt her independence and romantic life were threatened. Upon discovering her communications with Neil—including explicit videos and photos—her adoptive father, Antwon Mans, confiscated her phone and forbade her from contacting Neil. “Something ain’t right with Natalia,” he remarked during the docuseries. “She’s got this dude online. He turned her against us. She’s ready to go to hell with gasoline panties on.”
Neil sensed the urgency of the situation and reached out to the producers of the docuseries, conveying his fears for Natalia’s safety at the Mans household. Simultaneously, he contacted the DePaul family, who had previously expressed interest in adopting Natalia when she was younger. “At first, I was like, 'I don't know who you are,' and I just thought it was just some person, and so I ignored Neil,” Nicole DePaul recounted. “He finally sent me some proof… then I believed I was talking to an actual person who knew Natalia.” The communications evolved, leading Nicole to realize they needed to devise a plan to help Natalia.
Following nearly a month of daily communication with Neil, the DePauls coordinated Natalia’s escape from the Mans family's home. This moment was captured on the docuseries, where Natalia expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Neil during their phone conversation as she traveled with the DePauls. “Hey babe, I'm so, so thankful you found me. I love you so much,” she said, marking the beginning of her new chapter.
While Natalia continues to nurture her relationship with Neil, concerns linger. Nicole shared there remains some wariness among Natalia’s current family. Cynthia Mans, Natalia's former adoptive mother, expressed her distrust of Neil, fearing potential ulterior motives. “The first thing popped in my head was [Neil] was either going to ask for ransom… or he's going to get [Natalia] over there and traffic her,” she stated, highlighting the tension surrounding Natalia’s newfound freedom.
Neil's presence is evident within Natalia's story, albeit with anonymity; appearances are made with his face blurred during the docuseries. This decision adds layers of mystery to his character and raises eyebrows about his role within the narrative. For Natalia, the relationship has evolved from virtual to real life, as she told PEOPLE she has recently met Neil, expressing her feelings of love and the desire for family. “I’m ready to move on,” she stated, underscoring her desire for stability and commitment.
The curious case of Natalia Grace has captivated audiences and incited discussions about online relationships, personal growth, and the need for support among vulnerable individuals. Natalia’s experiences—and her escape—bring forth important dialogues around adoption, trust, and the layered dynamics of relationships. Her story continues to resonate, drawing the attention of media and the general public, especially as she prepares for the next stage of her life depicted in the forthcoming season of her docuseries, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter, airing on January 6 and 7, 2025.
From her tumultuous past to her current endeavors, Natalia Grace stands at the intersection of resilience and hope. Her relationships, particularly with Neil, symbolize new beginnings and the human capacity to forge connections even amid adversity. The public watches closely as her story evolves, reflecting the importance of love and support systems during challenging times.