Viewers captivated by The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks were left stunned by the unfolding drama surrounding Natalia Grace and her adoptive family, the Manses. What seemed like a hopeful chapter for Natalia after her troubled past with the Barnetts took an unexpected turn, revealing new layers of complexity and mistrust within the Mans family. This article delves into the evolving relationship between Natalia Grace and the Mans family, exploring the shocking allegations and Natalia’s eventual escape to a new life.
Last January, Investigation Discovery’s docuseries unveiled a startling development: Antwon and Cynthia Mans, who adopted Natalia in 2023, began to harbor doubts about their adoptive daughter. This shift marked a dramatic change from the initial perception of a happy ending for Natalia, who had previously faced abandonment by Michael and Kristine Barnett in 2013. Antwon Mans’s own words in the docuseries paint a picture of growing suspicion.
“Something ain’t right with Natalia. This girl is tweaking,” Antwon Mans stated in a voiceover, expressing his escalating concerns. “I feel like she’s the enemy in the house. And she said to us, we have held her hostage. Made us look like we’re the enemy.” This declaration signaled the beginning of the unraveling of Natalia’s relationship with the Mans family, hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface.
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Natalia Grace featured on the cover of People Magazine, discussing her experiences and current life.
In a revealing cover story with PEOPLE magazine, Natalia shared her perspective on the events that led to her departure from the Mans family. As she entered adulthood at 21, Natalia described increasing tensions with the Manses, particularly concerning her independence and personal relationships. These conflicts became undeniable and ultimately led to her leaving the family she had been with for over a decade.
A key point of contention arose when Antwon Mans discovered Natalia’s communication with a man named Neil on Facebook. This included what Antwon described as sexually explicit content, leading him to confiscate Natalia’s phone and forbid her from continuing the relationship. Antwon’s reaction, as depicted in the docuseries, was intense: “Something ain’t right with Natalia,” he reiterated. “She’s got this dude online. He turned her against us. She’s ready to go to hell with gasoline panties on.” This incident highlights the escalating friction and mistrust that permeated Natalia’s relationship with the Mans family.
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An image featuring Natalia Grace alongside the Mans family, illustrating the family dynamic before the recent upheavals.
Adding another layer of darkness to the narrative, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter presented serious allegations of abuse against the Manses. Neighbors and friends reportedly testified to witnessing disturbing behavior, including claims that the Manses whipped Natalia with a belt, slapped her, locked her in a room, and physically assaulted her.
Anna Newlin, a former housemate of the Mans family, alleged in the show that Natalia was kicked down the stairs and subjected to further abuse. Her ex-husband, Matthew, corroborated these claims, stating he witnessed Antwon brutally beating Natalia with a belt in the basement of their church. Matthew’s emotional plea on camera, urging Natalia to escape for her safety, underscores the severity of these allegations. “I kept telling [Natalia], ‘You need to get the hell up out of there,” Matthew recounted, visibly distressed. “You need to go before you get killed!”
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Natalia pictured with the DePaul family in their kitchen, showcasing her supportive environment with her new family.
Facing these challenging circumstances, Natalia ultimately made the decision to leave the Mans family shortly before Christmas in 2023. With the help of her boyfriend Neil, who facilitated arrangements from the UK, Natalia connected with Nicole DePaul. The DePauls had previously attempted to adopt Natalia in 2009 and remained in contact. Nicole DePaul drove from New York to Nashville to secretly pick up Natalia, offering her a path to safety and a fresh start.
Natalia’s escape marked a significant turning point in her life. As she explained, leaving the Manses was a necessary step towards independence, though tinged with nervousness about challenging her adoptive parents’ authority. “Once I got in [Nicole’s] car, I had to text my mom to let her know I wasn’t kidnapped or dead,” Natalia revealed, highlighting the emotional weight of her decision. “It was an emotional time. I had to spread my wings.”
Since moving in with the DePauls in New York state, Natalia has found a sense of stability and belonging that had long been absent from her life. The DePauls, who share a similar experience as little people and have a daughter close to Natalia’s age, have provided a supportive and understanding home environment.
Nicole DePaul acknowledged that while their life with Natalia is generally harmonious, challenges do arise, and there are moments of distrust, particularly concerning Neil. However, she emphasizes the importance of commitment and understanding when taking on a child with Natalia’s complex background, including reactive attachment disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. “Did she probably do weird things in the past? Yeah,” Nicole conceded. “But when you take in a child, you take that child as your own. You don’t just get rid of them when they don’t fit into your puzzle. Natalia’s been through so much.”
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Natalia Grace pictured in New York in October 2024, reflecting her new chapter and sense of freedom.
Reflecting on her journey, Natalia expresses a sense of peace and acceptance. “It’s been a big learning curve for me. For the most part, I’ve made peace,” she shared. “It is definitely a blessing to be alive today. And there’s nothing I can do to change the past.” Now, with a loving relationship and newfound independence, Natalia states she finally feels free, marking a hopeful turn in her ongoing and often tumultuous story.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter is available for streaming on Max.
