Shivangi Sinha
Hulu’s ‘Good American Family’ presents a comprehensive view of Natalia Grace’s life and brings forth the journey she has experienced over the years. The limited drama series even explores her bond with Cynthia and Antwon Mans, the couple who took her in and cared for her after she was left behind in Indiana when the Barnett family relocated to Canada. A significant portion of the series is dedicated to showcasing what life was like for Natalia and how she came to live with the Manses, effectively portraying both the positive and challenging aspects of their relationship.
Antwon and Cynthia Mans Initially Couldn’t Become Natalia Grace’s Guardians Because of Her Legal Status as an Adult
Cynthia and Antwon Mans first crossed paths with Natalia Grace Mans (formerly Natalia Grace Barnett) while she was living in an apartment all by herself in Lafayette, Indiana. A neighbor introduced Natalia to Cynthia, and from there, she found a strong support system in the Mans family. Antwon, a pastor, had established a small church with just a few members and was dedicated to helping those in need. The couple had experience caring for children who required extra support, including some with disabilities. They became the foundation Natalia desperately needed, providing her with stability and care. Natalia has expressed that she cannot fully put into words the profound impact Cynthia and Antwon have had on her life.
In 2016, three years after she began living with them, Cynthia and Antwon applied for legal guardianship of Natalia. They had to prove in court that she was still a minor. Although some medical evidence was presented during the hearing, the court ultimately ruled that she was an adult, forcing them to withdraw their petition. Despite this, Natalia continued to see them as her family and affectionately referred to them as her “mom and dad.” For all intents and purposes, they fulfilled the role of her parents, and their bond was one of genuine love and care. In 2019, the three of them appeared together on an episode of Dr. Phil, where Cynthia and Antwon asserted that when they took Natalia in, she was indeed a minor.
During her first one-on-one confrontation with her former adoptive father, Michael Barnett, Antwon remained a strong and protective presence. He ensured that Natalia was not harmed or emotionally triggered during the conversation. At one point, he even interrupted the filming, firmly telling Michael to choose his words carefully when speaking to his “daughter” and ultimately bringing the conversation to an end. Natalia has often spoken about the profound impact Cynthia and Antwon have had on her life, crediting them with helping her turn things around. In August 2023, a private DNA test confirmed that she was born in 2003, not 1989, as had been determined by a previous re-aging order. Following this revelation, her legal age was officially corrected, and she was formally adopted by Cynthia and Antwon later that year. The joy and tears on their faces during the adoption process reflected just how deeply they had longed for this moment.
Antwon and Cynthia Mans Are Facing Allegations of Fraud
With the adoption finalized, it seemed like the beginning of a happily-ever-after for Natalia with Cynthia and Antwon. However, by the end of 2023, cracks began to show. The producers of ID’s ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace’ received a call from the couple, who claimed that she was becoming increasingly difficult to live with and even referred to her as an “enemy in the house.” Antwon has since indicated that this call to producers had been edited in the docuseries and did not reflect the “full” sentiment of the conversation. At the time, Natalia was dating a boy named Neil, and she confided in him about her desire to leave the home. Concerned for her well-being, he reached out to Nicole and Vince DePaul, a couple who had previously considered adopting Natalia. He informed them that she needed their help to leave the household.
Just before Christmas in 2023, the DePauls picked Natalia up from the church, and she moved in with them. The DePauls accused Cynthia and Antwon of financially exploiting Natalia, alleging that they had taken control of all her money and used it for personal use. They claimed that any earnings Natalia received from interviews and media appearances have been withheld from her, and she has not seen any of it. In light of these accusations, further allegations surfaced against the Mans family, suggesting that they had physically abused Natalia and some of the other children in their care. Several parents whose children had been under their supervision also came forward with similar claims. Despite these allegations, Natalia has firmly denied any mistreatment by Cynthia and Antwon.
She has expressed gratitude for the love and care she received from them, emphasizing that her decision to leave their home does not stem from any grievances or negative experiences with the family. Cynthia remains the payee for Natalia’s finances and the support she receives from the federal government. Nicole has alleged that Natalia is being made to pay tax money despite having access to very little of her own funds. She also alleged that Cynthia and Antwon purchased a house in Tennessee using this money.
The DePauls have further alleged that the couple took in children with this motive in mind. Meanwhile, Natalia has stated that she has moved in with the DePauls and feels “free.” She maintains that while she misses her family and siblings, she stands by her decision. As of writing, neither Cynthia nor Antwon has responded to these severe allegations, but it seems like they still have a somewhat cordial relationship with Natalia. She may not live with them anymore, but she remains their legally adopted daughter.
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