Shivangi Sinha
When the case of Natalia Grace’s adoption and upbringing emerged, the Barnett family faced significant public scrutiny. While much was known about Michael and Kristine Barnett’s eldest son, Jacob Barnett, their other two sons, Wesley and Ethan Barnett, remained relatively out of the spotlight. Both Wesley and Ethan lived alongside Natalia Grace and shared close experiences with her. Hulu’s ‘Good American Family’ sheds light on the details of their lives during that time and what eventually happened to them.
Wesley Barnett Was Very Playful as a Child and Ethan Barnett Was Calm
Wesley and Ethan Barnett, the younger sons of Michael and Kristine Barnett, spent their early childhood in Indiana. According to a book later written by Kristine, all the children were homeschooled by their parents. While not much is publicly known about Wesley and Ethan’s experiences during Natalia’s time with the family, it can be assumed that those years were challenging, given the serious allegations made against their parents. Kristine and Michael’s accounts also paint a picture of a turbulent household. Wesley was quite young when he began experiencing frequent seizures, sometimes as many as eight to nine a day. He was eventually diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a condition that required significant attention and care. He also went to aquatic therapy regularly. Due to his inability to swallow liquids, Wesley relied on formula thickened with rice cereal for nourishment. His health remained unstable, and Kristine devoted much of her time to looking after him. She also described him as a very playful child who was quite active.
Two years later, Ethan was born, and Kristine described him as a calm and peaceful child who rarely caused any fuss. Remarkably independent, Ethan began preparing simple meals for himself at just four years old, showcasing his early interest in cooking. They were still quite young when their parents adopted Natalia Grace and brought her into their lives in November 2010. According to a book later written by Kristine, all the children were homeschooled by their parents. While not much is publicly known about Wesley and Ethan’s experiences during Natalia’s time with the family, it can be assumed that those years were challenging, given the serious allegations made against their parents. Kristine and Michael’s accounts also paint a picture of a turbulent household.
In 2013, Wesley and Ethan Barnett moved to Canada with their family when their eldest brother, Jacob Barnett, a child prodigy with an alleged exceptionally high IQ, was accepted into university. Home videos from that time show Jacob teaching his younger brothers, who listened attentively and took notes. Kristine said that Ethan was quickly able to make friends with other kids there. However, after the family’s move, tensions between their parents began to surface, and it created a challenging environment that Wesley and Ethan would have likely witnessed. By late 2013, when the family returned to Indiana, the two brothers also moved back with them.
Wesley and Ethan Barnett Are Doing Well in Their Respective Careers Today
After staying in Indiana for a while, Wesley and Ethan Barnett moved to Florida with their mother, Kristine Barnett. While they maintain a low public profile, it is known that Wesley has a passion for cars and graphic design. In 2022, he treated himself to an expensive sports car, an achievement his older brother, Jacob, publicly congratulated him on. He had shown a passion for it since he was young and even went to an auction with his parents in Indianapolis. Some reports suggest that he has built a career in the automotive industry, working in marketing and sales. He resides in Bradenton, Florida, where his mother also lives, which might suggest that he is close to her. He has been in a stable, long-term relationship since before 2019, though he prefers to keep details about his personal life private.
Ethan, on the other hand, has seemingly pursued a culinary career and completed relevant training in the field. From what we can tell, he now works as a chef at Apollonia Bar and Grill and is also settled in Bradenton. Michael Barnett, their father, has since accused Kristine of preventing all their sons from maintaining contact with him and alleged that she has instilled fear in them. While the truth remains disputed, it is evident that Wesley and Ethan are not in touch with their father. Michael’s second wife, Jennifer Barnett, has reportedly attempted to reach out to the brothers as well. Despite the family’s public controversies, both brothers lead private lives, and it is understandable that they prefer to stay out of the spotlight.
Read More: Antwon and Cynthia Mans: Where are Natalia Grace’s Guardians Now?
