The Shocking Truth About Natalia Grace And The Mans Family: An Updated Timeline Of Betrayal And New Beginnings (2025)
The tumultuous and often terrifying story of Natalia Grace Barnett has taken yet another dramatic turn, with the most recent updates in late 2024 and early 2025 revealing the full extent of the collapse of her relationship with the Mans family. What was once seen as a hopeful new chapter after her abandonment by the Barnetts quickly devolved into a situation fraught with accusations of abuse and exploitation, leading to Natalia’s departure and a new life with a supportive family.
This article provides the most current and comprehensive look at the saga, detailing the brief period of her adoption by the Manses, the shocking allegations that led to her "escape," and her current, stable life with the DePaul family, as covered in the latest seasons of the Investigation Discovery docuseries.
The Complete Biography and Tumultuous Timeline of Natalia Grace
Natalia Grace is a Ukrainian-born American with a rare form of dwarfism called Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita. Her life has been defined by a series of failed adoptions, legal battles, and a constant struggle to prove her true age and identity.
- 2003 (Estimated): Natalia’s true date of birth, which has since been legally restored, placing her as a child during the key events of the case.
- 2008: Adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage by her first American family, Dyan and Gary Ciccone, in New Hampshire. The adoption fell through after approximately two years.
- November 2010: Adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett in Indiana. At the time, she was believed to be six years old.
- 2012–2013: The Barnetts successfully petitioned an Indiana court to legally change Natalia's age from 8 to 22, claiming she was an adult "sociopath" posing as a child.
- 2013: The Barnetts moved to Canada, leaving Natalia behind in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana, effectively abandoning her.
- 2013 (Later): Natalia was taken in by Antwon and Cynthia Mans, who lived in the same apartment complex. She lived with them for several years, forming a bond.
- 2019: Michael and Kristine Barnett were charged with neglect of a dependent. The case garnered international media attention.
- 2022: Michael Barnett was acquitted of all charges. The charges against Kristine Barnett were later dropped.
- 2023: Antwon and Cynthia Mans officially adopted Natalia Grace.
- Late 2023/Early 2024: Natalia moved out of the Mans' home and into the care of the DePaul family, citing a dramatic fallout.
- January 2024: The docuseries *The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks* premiered, with Natalia sharing her side of the story.
- January 2025: The third season of the docuseries is scheduled to premiere, promising to cover the details of the Mans family fallout.
The Adoption and Swift Collapse of the Mans Family Relationship
The Mans family—Antwon and Cynthia Mans, along with their children, including Genesis Mans—first took Natalia in around 2013 after the Barnetts moved to Canada. For years, they were portrayed as the compassionate saviors who gave Natalia a home when she was abandoned and legally declared an adult. This narrative of a happy, stable home was dramatically shattered in the latest updates to the case.
Despite the long-standing relationship, the official adoption of Natalia by the Manses in 2023 was short-lived. Natalia soon moved out, citing an increasingly difficult and restrictive environment. The docuseries and subsequent reports have painted a much darker picture of the Mans household.
Allegations of Abuse and Exploitation
The core of the fallout centered on allegations of abuse and exploitation that emerged after Natalia had moved out. These claims suggest the Mans family's intentions were not purely benevolent:
- Physical Abuse: Neighbors and sources cited in reports alleged that they witnessed physical abuse against Natalia, including her being whipped with a belt and slapped in the face.
- Financial Motivation: There were strong suggestions that the Mans family may have primarily taken Natalia in for her government benefits, which would have been available to her after the Barnetts successfully changed her legal age to that of an adult.
- Strict Rules: Natalia herself indicated that the Manses were "too strict," which contributed to her decision to leave. The perceived rigidity and control were a major factor in the relationship’s deterioration.
The Manses, in turn, have publicly expressed their own feelings of betrayal, claiming that Natalia turned on them after they had provided her with a home and stability for years. This mutual distrust and the explosive allegations on both sides led to a complete severance of ties, marking the end of what many hoped would be Natalia’s final, permanent home.
Where Is Natalia Grace Now? A New Beginning with the DePaul Family (2025 Update)
The most current and positive development in Natalia’s long journey is her relocation and integration with the DePaul family. Natalia is now living in upstate New York with Nicole and Vince DePaul.
The DePauls are not new to Natalia’s life; they are friends who had previously attempted to adopt her. Crucially, Nicole and Vince DePaul also have a form of dwarfism, which provides a shared life experience and a unique level of support and understanding that was absent in her previous adoptive homes.
A Stable and Supportive Environment
Natalia’s new life with the DePauls appears to be the most stable environment she has experienced since her initial adoption. The DePauls are described as a supportive family, and while the transition was initially "bumpy" due to the Manses' continued involvement, Natalia has since settled in. This move signifies a break from the cycle of conflict and media drama that defined her time with both the Barnett and Mans families.
The latest season of the docuseries, *The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks*, provided a platform for Natalia to articulate her perspective on the events, particularly the breakdown with the Manses. With a new season set for 2025, the world will likely get a deeper look into her current life and the legal fallout from the abuse allegations.
Topical Authority: The Complexities of the Natalia Grace Case
The case of Natalia Grace Barnett is a complex web of legal, medical, and ethical issues that has captivated the public for years. It is a story that goes far beyond a simple family dispute, touching on major themes:
- Age Fraud and Identity: The core of the Barnett case rested on the legal change of her age, a highly unusual and controversial court action. The subsequent restoration of her 2003 birth year is a victory for her identity, validating her claims that she was a child when abandoned.
- Adoption System Failure: The fact that Natalia went through multiple failed adoptions (Ciccone, Barnett, Mans) highlights significant systemic failures in international and domestic adoption oversight, particularly for children with special needs.
- Media and Exploitation: The story has been heavily documented in the Investigation Discovery series, which, while providing a platform for Natalia, also raises questions about the ethics of broadcasting the trauma of a young woman's life for public consumption.
The latest updates confirm that Natalia is finally finding peace. The shift from the Mans family’s alleged control to the DePauls' empathetic care marks a crucial turning point. As of early 2025, Natalia Grace is no longer defined by the accusations of her past, but by her resilience and her hopeful new life in upstate New York. The world awaits the next chapter, but for now, the stability she has found is a welcome resolution to a long and agonizing public saga.
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