‘Everyone deserves a second chance’: Natalia Grace forgives Michael Barnett as he is 'overly sorry'

LAFAYETTE, INDIANA: Natalia Grace Barnett, the Ukrainian-born woman who was accused of being an adult masquerading as a child by her former adoptive parents, has forgiven her former adoptive father Michael Barnett for abandoning her.

Natalia Grace and Michael Barnett pray together in an emotional reunion

In the series finale of 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks', aired on Wednesday, January 3, Natalia and Michael had a tearful reconciliation after years of estrangement, according to InTouchWekly.

Natalia told Michael, “Michael, I forgive you,” and asked him to pray with her. Michael, who had been seeking Natalia’s forgiveness throughout the episode, said, “You don’t have to. I don’t forgive me.”

But Natalia insisted saying, “This was hard but I’m willing to do it. Everyone deserves a second chance to admit their faults.”

The two knelt down and prayed, with Natalia asking the “Lord to help” Michael. “This is how we get free,” Michael said.

Michael Barnett claims he was a ‘victim’ of his ex-wife Kristine Barnett

Natalia’s forgiveness came after Michael claimed that he was also a “victim” of his ex-wife Kristine Barnett who allegedly abused and neglected Natalia before leaving her in an apartment in Indiana in 2013.

Kristine and Michael were charged with neglect of a dependent in 2019, but the case was dismissed in 2020. Natalia, however, rejected Michael’s claim, saying that he was more of an “accomplice” than a victim. “He could have fought her, I couldn’t,” Natalia said.

She accused Kristine of beating her with a belt, trying to “overdose” her on medication, and pepper-spraying her in the eyes. Natalia also said that Michael “watched” some of the abuse happen, but did nothing to stop it.

She asked him to tell her what he knew about Kristine’s actions, but he said he only knew “a little” and was “afraid” of what he didn’t. Natalia then asked Michael if he was sorry for not intervening and he said he was “overly sorry” for not being stronger and not helping her.

Natalia Grace gets adopted by a new family, but they too suspect 'something ain't right'

The docuseries ended with a happy scene of Natalia being officially adopted by her current parents, Antwon Mans and Cynthia Mans, who have been caring for her since 2016.

“This is the day I close the door on the Barnetts and never open it again,” Natalia said, smiling and looking forward to her new life as reported. However, People saw they, too, had grown mistrust. “Something ain't right with Natalia. This girl is tweakin'," Antwon claimed to show producers in a voiceover, adding "I feel like she's the enemy in the house. And she said to us, we have held her hostage. Made us look like we're the enemy."

"Natalia is stabbing her family in the back over a complete lie," his wife added. "She's done other things too, but this was a new low," Antwon continued, adding "Natalia does not have emotions for nothing but herself. We're done. We're done with her."

A final title card read, “Natalia’s story will continue.” But the details of the saga's next installment have not been revealed yet.