The chilling tale of Natalia Grace, a young girl with a rare form of dwarfism, has captivated audiences as it unfolds in the new Disney+ series, Good American Family. The series chronicles the harrowing journey of Natalia, who was adopted from Ukraine by the Barnett family in 2010, only to face allegations of deceit and abuse that turned her life upside down.
Originally believed to be around six years old at the time of her adoption, Natalia's story took a shocking twist when the Barnetts claimed she was actually an adult woman posing as a child. This claim led to a series of events that would see Natalia living alone in an apartment, abandoned by her adoptive parents.
The series, which features British actress Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia, explores the complexities of the case, showcasing the perspectives of both the Barnetts and Natalia herself. The fifth episode of Good American Family marks a significant shift, centering on Natalia’s voice and her experiences during her time living independently.
In 2012, the Barnetts petitioned to have Natalia's age legally changed to 22, asserting that they discovered signs she was lying about her age, including the presence of bloody tampons and adult teeth. They claimed that Natalia posed a physical threat to their family, alleging she attempted to poison Kristine Barnett's coffee and threatened to kill them. Kristine stated, "Natalia would make statements and draw pictures saying she wanted to kill family members, roll them up in a blanket and put them in the backyard."
However, DNA testing later confirmed that Natalia was, in fact, around 22 years old at the time of the test, meaning she was approximately nine when the Barnetts adopted her. This revelation led to a significant legal battle, with Michael Barnett being found not guilty of neglect and conspiracy in October 2022, while similar charges against Kristine were dismissed in March 2023.
After being placed in an apartment by the Barnetts, Natalia lived alone from 2012 until 2014, relying on limited support from neighbors and church members. During this time, she faced numerous challenges, including navigating her environment with her disability. Natalia testified that she often ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and ramen noodles, struggling to care for herself.
In 2014, she was taken in by Christian pastor Antwon Mans and his wife Cynthia, who officially adopted her in 2023. However, tensions arose in the Mans household, as multiple witnesses alleged that they witnessed physical abuse. Natalia claimed that her internet access was restricted after she began messaging her boyfriend, Neil, from the UK.
In a dramatic turn, Natalia planned her escape from the Mans home, coordinating with the DePauls, a couple who had previously considered adopting her. She expressed her feelings of entrapment and the need to regain control over her life, stating, "I’m really just trying to take control of my life and stop letting other people control it. I feel like I’m becoming this new person."
Now living with the DePauls, Natalia has begun to rebuild her life. In January 2025, she appeared on the cover of People, sharing her journey and aspirations. "Just seeing what I went through and even someone with my disability — you can do anything you put your mind to. You can get through anything that life throws at you," she remarked.
The series Good American Family not only recounts Natalia's story but also raises critical questions about the treatment of children with disabilities and the societal assumptions surrounding them. Creator Katie Robbins noted, "What happened to Natalia would not have happened had she not had dwarfism, had she not had a disability, and had people not made assumptions based on growth patterns in people of average stature."
As the series continues to unfold, it prompts viewers to reflect on the complexities of family dynamics, the responsibilities of guardianship, and the accountability of adoptive parents. The Barnetts' claims and Natalia's experiences highlight the vulnerabilities faced by children in similar situations, sparking discussions about the need for better oversight in adoption cases.
Despite the controversies surrounding her past, Natalia Grace is determined to forge a new path. She is currently studying to become a teacher and is actively fundraising for urgent medical surgeries that could prevent serious health complications. With over $27,500 raised so far, she continues to seek support to cover the estimated $500,000 needed for her procedures.
Reflecting on her journey, Natalia stated, "It’s a blessing to be alive today because looking back at my 7-year-old self, I should have been dead." Her resilience and strength serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who have faced unimaginable challenges.
As the story of Natalia Grace continues to unfold both on-screen and in real life, audiences are left to ponder the implications of her experiences and the broader societal issues they represent. The narrative of Good American Family is not just a retelling of a tragic tale; it is a call to action for empathy, understanding, and reform in the world of adoption and child welfare.
