From Misunderstood Child to Empowered Woman

In an exclusive interview with People, Natalia Grace, the real-life figure behind the chilling documentary "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace," recounts her harrowing experiences as she transitions from a misunderstood child into an empowered young woman and reveals her shocking escape from a troubled adoptive home.

First capturing the public's imagination when claims were made about her being a dangerous adult disguised as a child, Natalia's story broke new ground in 2023 with the airing of her docuseries on Investigation Discovery. After being legally re-aged from 8 to 22 amid controversial accusations, Natalia's life took a dramatic turn when she was left to fend for herself in an apartment by her adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett.

Trauma with Each Family

In the latest chapter of her story, Natalia reflects on her tumultuous past and the impact of living with two different families. Following her escape from the Barnetts, she was taken in by the Mans family, who initially provided her with a semblance of stability. However, even there, things quickly soured as Natalia experienced emotional and physical distress. She describes moments of fear and manipulation at the hands of her new adoptive family, indicating that her life continued to be clouded by difficulty.

The revelations intensify as Natalia discusses her experiences with both the Barnetts and the Mans. She paints a picture of her interactions with Kristine Barnett, alleging physical abuse and psychological trauma. "I often asked myself, 'How could anyone believe I, a girl with dwarfism, could threaten someone physically much larger than me?" she explains, emphasizing her bewilderment at the series of accusations against her.

Restoration and Renewal

In January 2024, Natalia's legal age was restored to her true birth year of 2003 following rigorous medical evaluations and DNA testing. This restoration not only marks an essential stepping stone in her journey for self-identity but also paves the way for her to reclaim her life following years of turmoil. Today, Natalia is thriving with plans to earn her GED and aspirations to become a grade school teacher.

Support and Freedom

Natalia's recent escape came with the support of her UK-based boyfriend, Neil, and friends from the Little People community, who organized her extraction from the Mans' household. “It was an emotional time. I finally felt free,” she shares, reflecting on how critical it was to take this leap of faith after a decade of feeling imprisoned by the past.

A New Beginning

Now living with the DePauls, a nurturing couple who understand the complexities of her journey, Natalia feels a renewed sense of hope. “This entire experience has been a big learning curve for me,” she notes. “For the most part, I have made peace. It is definitely a blessing to be alive today.”

Looking toward the future, Natalia is ready to embrace life with optimism. She shares her dreams of building a family of her own, wanting nothing more than to be a loving mother herself. “I’m a girl who loves kids and dreams of marrying and having children someday,” she expresses, hinting at a blossoming relationship with Neil for which she's cautiously hopeful.

Reclaiming Her Narrative

As she navigates her new independence—learning to drive and earning money for herself for the very first time—Natalia is indeed reclaiming her narrative. “Trust No One,” reads her latest tattoo, a symbolic reminder of her tumultuous past and her newfound determination to control her destiny.

Don't miss the gripping conclusion of Natalia's journey in The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter, airing on January 6 and 7, where viewers will witness the culmination of this remarkable yet harrowing story.