Natalia Grace, the Ukrainian woman with dwarfism who was previously accused of lying about her age and tormenting her adoptive parents, has filed a lawsuit against Disney and Hulu. The legal action centres on the 2025 Hulu limited series Good American Family, which dramatised her controversial adoption story.
Defamation and Emotional Distress Claims
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Grace is suing for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She argues that the series portrayed her as deceptive, dangerous, manipulative, and dishonest, suggesting she was not truly a child and was responsible for acts of abuse and violence.
Grace, now estimated to be 24 years old, filed the lawsuit without legal representation and is seeking unspecified damages. She contends that Disney and Hulu framed the series to highlight accusations against her, only later revealing details about her alleged childhood abuse.
Series Content and Disclaimers
The Hulu series starred Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett, Grace's adoptive mother, with Imogen Faith Reid portraying Grace. The first half of the miniseries follows Kristine's perspective, where she believes a 22-year-old woman infiltrated her family while claiming to be six years old. The second half presents events from Grace's viewpoint as a victim of cruelty and abandonment.
Despite the show including a disclaimer that some events were fictionalised, Grace maintains this is insufficient protection for the company. She argues it remains unclear which parts were factual and which were invented, potentially misleading audiences about her character.
Background of the Adoption Controversy
Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted Grace in 2010, believing they were welcoming a six-year-old girl into their New Hampshire home alongside their three biological sons. Grace had previously been adopted two years earlier, but those parents rescinded their rights citing disruptive behaviour.
The relationship deteriorated dramatically in subsequent years, with the Barnetts accusing Grace of pretending to be a child and attempting to harm them. They successfully petitioned to have her birth year changed from 2003 to 1989, claiming she was an adult when adopted.
Grace has consistently denied all accusations. The Barnetts faced neglect charges after moving to Canada and allegedly leaving her in a Lafayette apartment, though they were eventually acquitted.
Recent Developments and Health Concerns
In June 2023, Bishop Antwon and Cynthia Mans became Grace's third adoptive parents. However, by January 2024, she revealed on a GoFundMe page that she had moved out and was raising funds for spinal surgery.
Grace explained she has Diastrophic Dysplasia, a form of dwarfism requiring medical intervention. The spinal correction surgery she needs costs over $500,000 and isn't covered by her insurance. Without treatment, she risks paralysis and incontinence.
She expressed aspirations to start a photography business while seeking independence. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Disney and Hulu for comment regarding the lawsuit.
