Investigation Discovery has unveiled a sneak peek of the forthcoming series Natalia Speaks, in which Natalia directly addresses her adoptive father, Michael Barnett, following the impactful documentary The Curious Case of Natalia Grace. The series, released in May, chronicles the unresolved story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian child at the center of conflicting accounts, with one side claiming she was abandoned and the other alleging she is a dangerous individual posing as a child.
Dexerto voted the series the best documentary entry of 2023, saying, “Though the truth remains murky to this day, this docu-series gives space for viewers to make up their own minds, allowing the jaw-dropping subject matter to speak for itself.” If you were left frustrated by the lack of resolution, a follow-up is set to drop at the start of next year. With The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks just around the corner, ID has released a sneak peek clip.
Natalia Speaks: Natalia Grace finally confronts Michael Barnett
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace has been heavily criticized for its focus on Michael Barnett’s perspective. However, Natalia Speaks will provide Natalia Grace with the opportunity to share her side of the story. In the new footage, viewers will witness Natalia and Michael coming face-to-face.
Barnett accused Natalia of attempting to harm him and his family, including defecating to upset his son Jacob, trying to get their sons run over, and attempting to poison his ex-wife Kristine. He also claimed she even dragged her into an electric fence.
In contrast, Natalia alleges that Michael legally changed her age and abandoned her as a child with a disability, and that she was abused while at the Barnetts’ home. More details on this side will be revealed in the upcoming documentary series, where extensive DNA testing may finally determine Grace’s true age.
Natalia and Michael are captured in various conversations throughout the footage. Michael tells her, "There's going to be a lot of answers" to many of the questions in one clip. In another, Natalia denies being in the room with a knife, while Michael insists, "I know what I saw," leading to a tense moment. "In every lie is a hidden truth," Natalia adds, holding her head in her hands, "But you've got to dig enough to be able to see it."
As with the initial series, numerous audience members have supported Natalia's viewpoint. One individual commented: "I adore Natalia. She is a victim of awful adoptive parents, a lack of proper investigation by child protective services, and the legal system. What judge would approve of changing a person's age by such a large margin?"
ID
"She was a child displaying behavioral issues, in my opinion. How else can you explain the neighbors repeating things the parents say, despite never meeting them?" another person added. "And that father...he's so dramatic. I don't trust anything he says. It's just all too much! He's even willing to blame his wife, well, ex-wife."
"You can see that she was a child back then, because she's clearly matured physically in the past few years," added a third person. But not everyone agrees, like this person who said, "I believe the parents. She's older than she appears, and a skilled manipulator."
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks will premiere on ID over three consecutive nights starting on January 1, 2024. For more information about this case and other true crime content, check out the links below:
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Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Natalia Grace, I am thrilled to finally see her side of the story being told. The Curious Case of Natalia Grace was a fascinating but frustrating documentary, as it seemed to focus heavily on Michael Barnett's perspective and left many questions unanswered. Natalia Speaks promises to give Natalia a chance to share her truth and shed light on the many unanswered questions surrounding her case. I am particularly interested in learning more about the alleged abuse she suffered while living with the Barnetts and the extensive DNA testing that may finally determine her true age.
I am also encouraged by the support that Natalia has received from audience members, who have expressed their belief in her innocence and criticized the Barnetts for their actions. It is clear that Natalia is a victim of a complex and tragic situation, and I hope that Natalia Speaks will help to bring her justice and closure. I am eagerly awaiting the premiere of Natalia Speaks on January 1, 2024, and I am confident that it will be a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime and the pursuit of justice.