Where ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter’ Leaves Natalia’s Story

In the second part of “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter,” I found myself plunged into what legal expert Beth Karas terms the “hell loop.” This refers to the recurring predicament that Natalia has faced as conflicts with the DePaul family, who aided her in fleeing the home of her adoptive parents, Bishop Antwon and Cynthia Mans, reached a critical point.

Instead of the hardships Natalia faced with her previous adoptive families, Michael and Kristine Barnett, as well as the Manses, a contrast is seen in the supportive atmosphere Vincent and Nicole DePaul have cultivated for her since moving her from Nashville, Tennessee to live with them in upstate New York. However, Natalia’s apparent loyalty towards Antwon and Cynthia has caused friction for the DePauls, as their attempts to help her establish a self-reliant life as a young woman living with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita are complicated when she continues to provide the Manses with funds for healthcare, despite their needs. This financial support disrupts the DePaul’s plans and causes tension, as Natalia publicly denies any claims of physical or financial abuse from the Manses, but hints at inappropriate behavior privately.

In the final installment of “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter,” revealed on Tuesday, here are six key findings from sections three and four.

Natalia Says Abuse Allegations Are False

In episode three, I found myself caught up in the aftermath of Robert Madewell’s accusations from the previous episode, where he alleged that Antwon and Cynthia abused his son, as well as my sister, Natalia. However, when confronted about these allegations, Natalia refused to watch the footage, but when pressed by Nicole, she vehemently denied them. In fact, she accused Madewell of spreading false information. “It’s all a lie,” she said in the documentary. “The guy with the little boy, he has a grudge because we stopped babysitting for him as he failed to pay us.

To start with, Natalia initially declined to discuss the allegations of abuse when questioned by producers during episode two. In episode three, when asked directly by the producers, “Did anyone ever hit you?”, she responded, “Not anything too extreme, perhaps a light slap on the behind or something.” According to Nicole, Natalia’s account of her experiences with the Manses varies depending on the people present. Speaking candidly about them one way in front of the cameras and quite differently off-camera, Nicole stated that Natalia shares occasional hints about the abuse she suffered at the Manses’. “From time to time,” Nicole explained, “Natalia has confided in me that she was physically punished by both Cynthia and Antwon.” Nicole further admitted, “A ‘whooping’ refers to a severe beating.” This claim was also supported by Mackenzie, who said, “Natalia did mention being beaten – fearful-of-Antwon-type beatings. It’s inappropriate to hit anyone with a disability, but especially harmful to a child, and even more so to someone with such severe dwarfism.

Regarding the widespread allegations about misconduct, Sarah R. Sommer, communications director for the mayor’s office in Crawfordsville, Indiana, stated via email to THR: “Upon discussing this matter with our Chief of Police, I can assure you that at present, there is no active investigation concerning Antwon and Cynthia Mans or their home.

Nicole Thinks Natalia is Being Blackmailed

Nicole speculates that Natalia might be shielding Antwon and Cynthia Mans because her ex-adoptive family may be blackmailing her, specifically about some sexual activities. She mentions she’s learned about Natalia engaging in intimate conversations over video/phone calls with her boyfriend Neil, as well as having sexted a past boyfriend. This makes Nicole suspect that similar actions could have been happening in the Manses’ household. Given their strong religious background, this might explain the distressed call they made to producers expressing concern about Natalia’s behavior. Furthermore, Nicole suggests that Natalia’s sister might possess explicit messages or images from these incidents and is using them to control Natalia, along with the Manses.

Natalia consistently questions Nicole’s assertions, yet she voices her apprehension about the possible repercussions of videos featuring individuals criticizing the Manses. “I have this feeling that these videos might ignite a conflict… My parents may speak out… and it pains me because I never imagined in all my life that they would do this to me, but I’m absolutely convinced they would,” she explains. “I’m anxious about my relationship with Neil. I simply want to lead my life. I want to be with the person I adore, and I fear they might stir up some trouble.

It seems that Natalia’s fear has led her to strike a deal with the Manses where she agrees to give them $25,000 from her earnings over the years, forfeit any future claims on their house or its sale proceeds, despite it being initially purchased with her own money. Karas estimates that Natalia’s total earnings could be around $200,000, implying she is only receiving a small portion and may be financially exploited by the Manses. Additionally, Natalia trusts Cynthia to continue managing her supplemental security income (SSI), saying “You’ve been my payee for over 11 years almost.” Antwon then interjects, suggesting that Natalia is only questioning their guardianship now due to Neil. Cynthia requests they refrain from discussing Neil, telling Natalia “Make sure you don’t go in there and say anything about us.

Vincent Threatened to Leave His Family Over Natalia’s Issues With the Manses

Due to worries about Natalia’s health and happiness, Nicole speaks to Antwon and Cynthia on the phone, accusing them of mismanaging not only Natalia’s finances but also failing to ensure she receives necessary medical care for her wellbeing. This conversation escalates into an argument in front of Natalia, causing her immense distress as she feels caught in the middle. Overwhelmed, she contemplates moving back in with her adoptive parents. However, a phone call with Neil changes her mind, and she expresses enthusiasm to Nicole about staying put in her current residence instead.

Natalia’s indecisive attitude towards the Manses starts causing issues for Nicole in her personal relationships, particularly with her husband and daughter. “I don’t want her to return to the Manses as they are abusive,” Nicole explains, “but I also don’t want her to disrupt my family.” She admits that she and Mackenzie have grown apart since Natalia moved in. Mackenzie confesses to her mother that she frequently avoids home because of the stress Natalia creates, stating, “[Natalia] makes our home quite tense, and there always seems to be some kind of drama.” In a private conversation, Mackenzie expresses, “My mom chose to save Natalia over saving her marriage.” Nicole admits that she and Vincent argue frequently about how to deal with Natalia, and after 23 years of marriage, he threatened to leave. “He said something he’s never said before in our relationship,” Nicole recounts through tears, ” ‘I might have to tell you Nic, I’m thinking of leaving and never coming back because you didn’t listen to me when I said I didn’t want this to happen.’ ” To add to her distress, Natalia turns against Nicole and creates havoc in the household, making it a sad situation.

In the opening of episode four, Vince confesses that he contemplated leaving due to the disturbance Natalia caused in his formerly tranquil household. Yet, he declares, “In the end, I chose to remain because I adore my wife and I wish to support her.

Natalia has Reactive Attachment Disorder

Following the rift between Nicole and the Manses, I’ve got to admit, I’ve been simmering with anger towards Nicole. I feel she overstepped a boundary when she came between her and her parents. I even acknowledge that I could use therapy, but I just can’t seem to bring myself to accept any mental health services, despite the producers offering them to me. On the flip side, Nicole sought advice from her friend Melissa Misegadis, a psychologist specializing in rehabilitation. In her words, “Reactive Attachment Disorder is a condition that occurs when kids fail to form a healthy bond with their caregivers.” Given Natalia’s unresolved trauma, such behaviors stem from years of rejection and pain.

Speaking with producers regarding her Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) diagnosis, Natalia, who was adopted from an orphanage in Ukraine, expresses, “Though I’m not entirely clear about the extent of reactive attachment disorder, I do understand that I struggle with abandonment. I always feel as if people are going to leave me, and it’s constant.” She further explains this mindset has led her to build an emotional barrier, stating, “I’ve found myself unable to handle someone leaving me anymore. It’s too painful for me to invest emotions in someone only for them to disappear.

The Manses Have Left Natalia With a Hefty Tax Bill

As a devoted admirer, I find myself persistently endeavoring to mediate the disputes between Natalia and the Manses, even though my efforts may have deepened certain rifts along the way. This includes addressing an outstanding tax bill of $104,000 that Cynthia and Antwon apparently passed on to Natalia, despite their initial promise to help her cover taxes for income she never had direct control over.

In response to their query about the 1099 form, Cynthia clarifies, “We agreed to invest in it as it was our funds, but we never promised to cover the entire expense. That person seems to be deceiving you.

Later on, the Manses firm up their decision and inform Natalia that they will not assist her in paying her tax bill whatsoever, nor will they provide her with their bank statements as proof that her SSI benefits were deposited into their accounts instead of hers, to ensure she could continue receiving benefits monthly. In response, Natalia mentions that Cynthia advised her, “Perhaps this is God’s way of suggesting you should relocate to the U.K.”

The Manses stick to their guns and let Natalia know they won’t provide any assistance with her tax bill or share bank statements showing that her SSI benefits were deposited into their accounts, not hers, for her to keep receiving benefits. In response, Natalia shares that Cynthia suggested this situation might be a sign from God that she should consider moving to the U.K.

Natalia Appears on Track for a True Happy Ending This Time

Natalia’s appeal for help regarding her SSI benefits seems to have been the event that made her realize the Manses’ predatory nature. Subsequently, she decided she was finished with them and, inspired by her adoptive mother, organized a trip to the U.K. to meet Neil in person for the first time. As she shared five months after the tax issue, “I’m not really speaking to my parents. I’m living my life; they’re living theirs.

In addition to themselves, Nicole and Vincent hired a legal representative to assist Natalia in recovering her funds from the Manses and safeguard her from any potential legal troubles related to the management of her finances throughout the years. Previously, Producer Shannon Evangelista shared with THR that Natalia might be contemplating new strategies to tackle her mental and physical wellbeing concerns. Shannon stated, “I believe there’s no one who comprehends Natalia’s predicament more than Nicole, given they share the same rare form of dwarfism.” According to Shannon, one aspect that makes Nicole optimistic is Natalia’s inclination towards considering various surgical options for herself. Nicole feels that if Natalia can change her perspective on surgeries, she might be able to alter her stance on other aspects as well.

In response to inquiries from THR about the conclusion of the series, President Jason Sarlanis stated, “The only thing I’ll disclose is that, as of now, I haven’t received a call, so I can assure you, for now, it won’t be like the last time.

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The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter is streaming on Max.

2025-01-08 08:01