Natalia Grace Barnett is a Ukrainian-born girl who was at the center of a highly publicized controversy in the United States.
She was adopted by an American couple, Kristine and Michael Barnett, in 2010 when she was just six years old.
Natalia had a rare form of dwarfism and had been abandoned by her previous adoptive parents in Ukraine.
Natalia Grace Barnett’s Story
Barnett is a young woman from Ukraine who was at the center of a controversial adoption case in the United States.
The case gained international attention after it was alleged that she was an adult posing as a child. In 2010, a couple from Indiana, Michael and Kristine Barnett, adopted Natalia from an orphanage in Ukraine.
They were told at the time that she was 6 years old and had a rare form of dwarfism called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED). However, the Barnetts later claimed that they began to suspect that Natalia was actually much older, possibly in her 20s or 30s.
The Barnetts have stated that they believe Natalia is trying to harm her family. These included attempting to poison Kristine and pushing Michael into an electric fence. They also allege that Natalia has exhibited behaviors that are incompatible with a child, such as pubic hair and menstrual cycles.
The Barnetts finally legally changed Natalia’s age to 22 in 2012, leaving her in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana while they moved to Canada with their other children.
Natalia has denied these allegations, claiming that she is a girl. In 2019, she was found with another couple in Indiana who took her in after the Barnetts left her.
The new couple, Antwon and Cynthia Mans, claimed Natalia was a teenager and presented evidence including medical records and statements from the doctors who examined them.
The case is still ongoing and it is not clear how old Natalia really is.
The Barnetts have been charged with criminal neglect and are currently awaiting trial. Natalia now lives with the Mans and is reportedly enrolled in high school.
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Natalia Grace Barnett Early Life
She was born in Ukraine in 2003, and was later placed in an orphanage due to a medical condition known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), which is a rare form of dwarfism.
SED can cause joint pain and stiffness, as well as short stature. Natalia was six years old when she was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett in 2010.
The Barnetts were told she had SED and that they were adopting a little kid who need their assistance.
Natalia’s behaviour and physical attributes, according to the Barnetts, did not correspond to her reported age.
They stated she had adult teeth, pubic hair, and menstrual periods, which were unusual for a six-year-old girl.
They also claimed that she displayed behaviour that was out of character for her age, such as speaking in a sophisticated manner and possessing a vocabulary beyond that of a young kid. It’s uncertain whether the Barnetts’ claims are true.
Natalia Grace Barnett Family and Education
Natalia Grace Barnett was six years old when she was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett in 2010.
Natalia’s adoptive parents were from Indiana in the United States, and they already had three sons.
Natalia’s degree of schooling since her adoption is unknown because the lawsuit is continuing and there is little available information regarding her present position.
We’ll keep this page updated as we learn more about her schooling.
Barnett’s Documentary
The documentary “The Woman Who Wasn’t There” was published in 2021, and it focused on the debate regarding Natalia Grace Barnett’s age and adoption.
David Dunning directed the documentary, which was produced by the British production firm Optomen Productions.
Interviews with several persons connected in the case, including Michael and Kristine Barnett, as well as professionals in psychology and law, are featured in the documentary.
The video investigates the facts and competing claims in the case, raising concerns about the Barnetts’ motivations for claiming Natalia is an adult.
The documentary also features interviews with Natalia, who denies being an adult and maintains she was a kid at the time of her adoption.
Natalia also discusses her interactions with the Barnetts and the emotional toll the dispute has had on her. The Unknown Woman There were varied reactions.
Some commentators complimented the filmmakers for taking a fair approach to the contentious subject, while others criticised the documentary for lacking focus and providing clear answers to concerns.
Natalia’s age and adoption are being questioned.
Update on Barnett’s Case
The Barnetts were charged with criminal neglect of a dependent in 2019.
According to claims, they abandoned Natalia and relocated to Canada without caring for her needs.
The case was initially scheduled to go to trial in January 2020, however it was repeatedly postponed owing to COVID-19 constraints. Michael Barnett pled guilty to criminal endangerment of a dependent in February 2021.
He was given two years probation. Kristine Barnett’s trial is still pending, and it is unclear when it will take place.
Natalia has maintained that she was a child at the time of her adoption. She has denied the allegations that she is an adult who pretended to be a child.
Her current situation and whereabouts are not publicly known. It is important to respect her privacy and well-being as the legal proceedings continue.
Information Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Natalia Grace Barnett |
| Family | Adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett; has three older brothers |
Lesser Known Facts About Natalia Grace Barnett
- Natalia’s case has been compared to the 2009 film “Orphan,” which tells the story of a couple who adopt a young girl who turns out to be much older than she appears.
- In addition to the controversy surrounding her age, Natalia’s case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the adoption system and the rights of adoptees.
- The Barnetts claimed that Natalia had threatened to harm their family, including trying to push Kristine Barnett into an electric fence and pouring the cleaning solution into her coffee. However, Natalia denies these allegations and says that she never posed a threat to the family.
- Despite the controversy surrounding her case, Natalia has expressed a desire to move on with her life and put the matter behind her.
FAQs
- What is the source of Natalia’s age controversy?
There is some disagreement on whether Natalia was a kid or an adult at the time of her adoption by the Barnetts. The Barnetts allege Natalia was an adult who pretended to be a kid and participated in fraudulent behaviour, but Natalia claims she was a child at the time and that the Barnetts abandoned her when she needed care and assistance.
2. What charges were the Barnetts facing in connection with Natalia’s case?
Answer. The Barnetts were charged with criminal neglect of a dependent in 2019. According to claims, they abandoned Natalia and relocated to Canada without caring for her needs. Michael Barnett later pled guilty to a lesser criminal offence.
3. What is the source of Natalia’s age controversy?
There is some disagreement on whether Natalia was a kid or an adult at the time of her adoption by the Barnetts. The Barnetts allege Natalia was an adult who pretended to be a kid and participated in fraudulent behaviour, but Natalia claims she was a child at the time and that the Barnetts abandoned her when she needed care and assistance.
4.What charges were the Barnetts facing in connection with Natalia’s case?
Answer. The Barnetts were charged with criminal neglect of a dependent in 2019. According to claims, they abandoned Natalia and relocated to Canada without caring for her needs. Michael Barnett later pled guilty to a lesser criminal offence.
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