Just days before Christmas in 2023, Natalia Grace, a 21-year-old Ukrainian woman with dwarfism, made a daring escape from her adoptive family. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in Natalia’s life, one that viewers are now delving into with the release of The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter on ID and Max. This docuseries offers a deeper look into Natalia’s journey after her adoption by Bishop Antwon and Cynthia Mans in June 2023, who are now facing accusations of controlling her and isolating her from the outside world.
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Natalia Grace graces the cover of People Magazine, revealing her story of resilience and new beginnings.
The Mans family, who adopted Natalia after her controversial past with another family, initially appeared to offer her a stable home. As depicted in The Final Chapter, Natalia became part of their large family, assisting in the care of her ten siblings and embracing their religious lifestyle in Indiana and later Tennessee. However, behind closed doors, a different reality allegedly unfolded.
Disturbing accounts from neighbors and friends, as featured in the docuseries, paint a picture of mistreatment. Allegations include claims that the Manses subjected Natalia to physical abuse, such as whipping her with a belt and slapping her. It was also claimed she was confined to a room and faced other forms of assault. (Despite efforts, People could not get responses from the Manses or their legal representatives, and Natalia has chosen not to confirm or deny these specific incidents).
After a decade of living with the Mans family, Natalia reached a breaking point. Seeking a path to freedom, she connected with Nicole DePaul, 49, an old family friend who, along with her husband Vince, 51, had previously attempted to adopt Natalia in 2009. With the support of her boyfriend Neil, whom she met online, Natalia and Nicole meticulously planned an escape.
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Natalia Grace pictured with the Mans family, prior to her dramatic escape and seeking a new life.
In late 2023, Nicole and her daughter Mackenzie, 19, drove from upstate New York to Nashville. They secretly met Natalia outside a church, facilitating her escape. Despite her fear of leaving the only family she had known for so long, Natalia knew this was a necessary step toward reclaiming her life. She recounted the emotional goodbye to her sisters, and the mix of terror and relief as the DePauls arrived.
Since that clandestine meeting, Natalia has found a new home and a sense of belonging with the DePaul family. Like Natalia, the DePauls are also little people, fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. Living with Nicole and Vince, Natalia is experiencing stability, love, and dedicated care, elements that were reportedly missing from her life with the Manses.
The DePauls have been instrumental in helping Natalia address her past traumas through therapy. Nicole, while offering unwavering support, clarifies that she does not intend to legally adopt Natalia. Their journey together hasn’t been without its challenges. Nicole acknowledges initial difficulties arising from the Manses’ continued attempts to contact Natalia. There was a period of adjustment as Natalia transitioned from a restrictive environment to one emphasizing guidance rather than control.
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Nicole and Vince DePaul, who offered Natalia Grace a new home and supportive environment after her escape.
Nicole emphasizes Natalia’s gentle nature and trustworthiness, highlighting the positive relationships Natalia has formed, even with their pets. Vince echoes this sentiment, describing Natalia as “super sweet” and reinforcing their commitment to guiding her, not controlling her.
Living with the DePauls for the past two years has presented both positive experiences and expected hurdles. Nicole mentions instances like Natalia secretly recording them, attributing such behaviors to Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a condition Natalia has been diagnosed with, commonly found in children who have spent time in orphanages. Nicole emphasizes their commitment to Natalia, stating that families should support children through difficulties rather than discarding them when challenges arise.
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Natalia Grace pictured in the kitchen with the DePaul family, showcasing her integration into a loving home.
Natalia expresses deep affection for the DePauls, lamenting the lost years when the Manses allegedly prevented contact between them. Looking towards the future, Natalia is focused on personal growth and independence. She is currently studying for her GED, with aspirations of becoming a school teacher. She is also learning to drive and is preparing for necessary surgeries related to her disabilities. Like many young adults, Natalia enjoys popular music, with Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus being among her favorite artists. She is also in a loving relationship with her boyfriend Neil.
Reflecting on her journey, Natalia expresses gratitude for her life and the opportunities ahead. She acknowledges the hardships she has overcome and embraces her future with newfound freedom and hope. “It’s a blessing to be alive today,” Natalia states, recognizing how far she has come and the positive direction her life is now taking.
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Natalia Grace pictured in New York in October 2024, embodying her resilience and forward-looking perspective.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter offers viewers an in-depth look into Natalia’s life with the DePauls and the ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery. The series is available on Investigation Discovery and streaming on Max.
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Natalia Grace is seen reading a book, highlighting her pursuit of education and personal growth in her new life.
