As Hulu’s Good American family wrapped on April 30, renewed public attention turned to the abuse allegations against Antwon and Cynthia Mans, former guardians of Natalia Grace. While the show didn’t go into the specifics of the abuse allegations, it ends with a disclaimer noting that the allegations came to light after filming had concluded.
“Since this series was completed, abuse allegations against Antwon and Cynthia Mans have come to light,” the statement reads. “They maintain their innocence, and to this day, so does Kristine Barnett.”
Why It Matters
The Mans family became a national focus after taking custody of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian-born orphan with a rare form of dwarfism. The Hulu series explores the years following her adoption by another Indiana couple, Michael and Kristine Barnett, who later alleged that Natalia was an adult posing as a child. The Barnetts were charged, and later acquitted, of neglect.
What To Know
The Barnetts adopted Natalia in 2010, believing she was a child, but later claimed she was a dangerous adult who misrepresented her age. Their assertions led a judge to change Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989, legally making her 22 at the time they left her to live alone in a Lafayette apartment in 2013.
After the Barnetts relinquished custody, Natalia needed a new place to live. She was introduced to Cynthia Mans by one of her neighbors in 2013. Natalia and Cynthia formed a quick bond, and days later, Natalia moved in with the Mans family.
Eventually, Natalia left the Mans family following several years of what she and others have described as strict, religiously driven parenting. She now lives with the DePaul family, who took her in after she left the Manses. As reported by TODAYthe DePauls, described as supportive, have helped Natalia rebuild her life following years of instability.
L-R: Antwon and Cynthia Mans sit with Natalia Grace during an interview on “Dr. Phil” in 2019.
Courtesy Dr. Phil
What Did Natalia Grace Say on Dr. Phil?
Appearing alongside the Mans family on Dr. Phil in 2019, Natalia denied ever trying to deceive anyone about her age. During the episode, she directly refuted claims made by her previous adoptive parents, the Barnetts, that she was an adult at the time of her adoption.
McGraw later said to Natalia, “To me, it doesn’t make any difference. You’re a human being that needs love and caring and [nurturing].”
During the program, Cynthia Mans said, “We are supposed to help. Me and my husband adopted these kids. It’s like who would do it if you don’t.”
The couple shared that they felt compelled to care for Natalia, who they believed was a vulnerable child mistreated by her previous family.
During the interview, Natalia also said, “I just want people to hear my side.” The episode marked the first time she publicly responded to the allegations aired by the Barnetts.
What Are the Abuse Allegations Against Antwon and Cynthia Mans?
Despite their public defense, Natalia eventually left the Mans family following several years of what she and others have described as strict, religiously driven parenting.
In reports from InTouch Weekly and Forbesneighbors alleged that they witnessed physical abuse, including Natalia being whipped with a belt, slapped in the face and getting locked in her room. Natalia has never accused the Manses of physically abusing her.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace alleges that the Manses financially exploited Natalia, with Cynthia Mans reportedly controlling her $700 monthly benefits and allocating 10 percent to Antwon Mans’ church, according to TODAY. A 2014 FBI interview with Natalia supports these claims.
Robert Madewell, whose son was cared for by the Manses, called the couple “fraudsters” and “scammers,” alleging, “It’s not about love; it’s all about the money, what they can get.”
InTouch Weekly reported that at one point, Natalia sent texts to her boyfriend, Neil, about how she felt like she was being held hostage while living with the Mans family. when Antwon and Cynthia learned Natalia wanted to move, they reportedly took away her phone and internet access, which concerned Neil.
The outlet reported that Neil tracked down Vince and Nicole DePaul, a couple who was previously interested in adopting Natalia in 2009. Eventually, Nicole picked up Natalia from Tennessee in 2023 and brought her to live with her and Vince in the couple’s upstate New York home.
Where Is Natalia Grace Now?
Natalia currently lives with the DePaul family, who took her in after her time with the Manses. She is now working toward earning her GED and is gradually gaining independence, TODAY reported.
The DePauls have not sought media attention, but they were briefly mentioned in The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter as providing a stable and caring environment.
What People Are Saying
Executive producer of Good American FamilySarah Sutherland, told TODAY: “I think Natalia had been in a really bad state when Cynthia met her, and I think that there was a lot of love there. So it was really devastating to learn late after the fact, after we’d been shooting, that there were these abuse allegations.”
Antwon Mans, in the 2023 documentary The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: “Something ain’t right with Natalia. This girl is tweakin.’ 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.”
What Happens Next
Hulu has not confirmed whether Good American Family will return.
Meanwhile, no legal developments have emerged regarding the Manses. Their public profile remains minimal as debate over Natalia’s care and representation continues.
