The new adoptive family of Ukranian orphan Natalia Grace succeeded in raising $20,000 for a vacation and a new car before a documentary about her revealed a shocking twist.
Fans of the documentary The Curious Case of Natalia Grace were given the chance to hear Natalia's side of the story this week, when new episodes arrived as a follow-up to the original series.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks shows how Natalia found happiness with a new family, the Mans, after allegedly being victimized by her former adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett, who legally changed her age to make her an adult.
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As Natalia went to live with Cynthia and Antwon Mans, the family launched a GoFundMe page with the hope of raising money for a new vehicle to accommodate Natalia, who has dwarfism, as well as for a trip to Jerusalem.
On the site, Cynthia Mans wrote: "Hello everybody! my family and I have been all over the news. Doctor Phil, YouTubers have done a plethora of videos on our family as well and last but not least, the documentary.
"We are so grateful for everyone's Love and support all around the world."
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The GoFundMe page initially had a goal of $10,000, but the mom admitted it would take more than that to afford everything they wanted.
"Even though we have hit our goal of $10,000 (Thank you so much by the way)!!!!!!!!! We are leaving it up so that we can meet or exceed our goal," Cynthia wrote.
"We believe with the help of God and also with loving, caring and supportive family like you we will reach beyond the sky."
Money continued to pour in up to the end of December 2023, before the GoFundMe stopped accepting donations and stated that $20,000 had been raised.
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It's unclear exactly when the page was shut down, but it happened only days before the final episode of The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks revealed a shocking twist.
As the documentary came to an end on 3 January, a screen appeared which explained that two weeks earlier, producers had received a 'shocking phone call'.
In a recording of the call, Antwon Mans can be heard claiming that 'something ain't right with Natalia'.
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"This girl is tweakin," he continued. "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."
Cynthia joined her husband in making accusations as she said: "Natalia is stabbing her family in the back over a complete lie."
Antwon went on to claim Natalia had 'done other things', but continued: "This was a new low. Natalia does not have emotions for nothing but herself. We're done. We're done with her."
The unexpected outburst from the adoptive parents left viewers desperate to know more about what happened, but we'll have to wait to find out as the documentary assured that Natalia's story 'will continue'.
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It's unclear whether the Mans will still take their trip to Jerusalem or buy the new car in the wake of the revelation.
Topics: Money, Natalia Grace, Film and TV
Emily Brown