Natalia Grace Sues Disney Over Hulu Depiction

Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian woman formerly adopted by the Barnett family, has initiated legal action against Disney and Hulu. She is suing the companies for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, contending that their Hulu original series, "Good American Family," has unfairly damaged her reputation.

Grace's lawsuit asserts that the show's portrayal led viewers to believe she was deceptive, manipulative, and not a child, contrary to her claims of being an abused child herself. She argues that the disclaimer about fictionalized events does not adequately protect the company.

Furthermore, Grace alleges the series intentionally structured its narrative to first present accusations against her, creating a lasting negative impression before offering mitigating information about her past as an abused child. She states this has resulted in her being labeled with hurtful terms.

In 2010, Natalia Grace began living with Kristine and Michael Barnett, who later petitioned to change her birth year from 2003 to 1989. The couple eventually moved her into an apartment and left for Canada, leading to neglect charges against them, though neither was convicted.

Grace is seeking unspecified damages for the alleged harm to her reputation caused by the series' depiction. Efforts to reach representatives for comment have reportedly been unsuccessful.