Michael Barnett’s sexuality has sent shockwaves through a community that had long viewed homosexuality with suspicion, prompting him to rebuild his life beginning with his family.
Natalia Grace asserts that she was six when adopted by the Barnetts. This claim has left many questions and uncertainties unanswered.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Life | Michael Barnett is a father and an outspoken advocate for LGBTIQ rights and anti-bigotry. He has three sons and is actively involved in community activism and various advocacy efforts. |
| Marriage | Michael Barnett is married to Kristine Barnett. They adopted Natalia Grace from Ukraine, which led to a complicated and controversial legal situation. |
| Career | Michael Barnett has worked in various fields, including real estate and business ventures. He is currently the District Director of Operations for a financial company. |
| Legal Situation | Michael and Kristine Barnett were charged with neglecting a dependent child, specifically Natalia Grace, who they had adopted. However, they were found not guilty of these charges in October 2022. |
| Community Involvement | Michael Barnett is actively involved in community activism, including advocating for LGBT rights and anti-bigotry efforts. He is part of Aleph Melbourne, an LGBT support group in Australia. |
He is married to Kristine Barnett
Michael Barnett was found not guilty of neglecting his daughter after an extended three-year investigation that included accusations of lying, medical tests, and shifting narratives. This probe stemmed from an Investigation Discovery docuseries about Natalia Grace – a child prodigy with dwarfism who rose through the ranks to stardom as an orator.
The series featured interviews with members of the Barnett family and community who knew them well, focusing on their struggles in raising their children as well as living with autism. Furthermore, it sheds light on their involvement in their children’s lives–such as managing a creche or founding a sports league for special needs children.
Natalia was adopted into their family as an orphan from Ukraine when they adopted her in 2010. While appearing to be six, she demonstrated violent tendencies that threatened their home. Furthermore, text messages between Natalia’s parents suggested they were abusing her or trying to set her up with an adult man.
He is a father
Michael Barnett is the father of three sons and an outspoken advocate for LGBTIQ rights and anti-bigotry. As a photographer, blogger, radio announcer for Melbourne’s gay and lesbian station JOY, and community activist against youth suicide and religious oppression in government, Michael has made waves within society.
Michael and Kristine Barnett adopted Natalia Grace from Ukraine with the assumption she was six years old with severe dwarfism. Later they found out she was an adult posing as a child; ultimately leaving her in their Lafayette, Indiana apartment.
Barnetts claimed their daughter exhibited dangerous behavior, such as threatening to kill the couple’s biological sons and poison Kristine by placing thumbtacks on stairs to cause injuries. To address the situation, they filed petitions to change her birth date back 14 years before leaving her alone in a rental apartment until moving permanently to Canada in the summer of 2013.
He is a real estate agent
Michael Barnett has established an outstanding real estate career. With a track record in navigating complex real estate transactions and investments, his expertise in this industry is widely respected. Michael has worked extensively with financial organizations that prioritize operational excellence as well as building long-term client relationships.
Michael and Kristine adopted Natalia Grace from Ukraine through an emergency adoption process, thinking they were providing her with the loving home she desperately needed. Instead, their lives took an unexpectedly dramatic turn when they found out Natalia was much older than expected and not just younger.
The couple was charged with neglecting a dependent child in 2019 but were eventually exonerated in October 2022. Since then, they had been living in Canada before moving back to Indiana where Michael continues his role as District Director of Operations for a finance company and remains dedicated to equality and inclusion within his community.
He is a businessman
Michael Barnett has been involved with various business ventures throughout his life, such as creating an international community involving five continents. Additionally, he served as an instructor of intensive seminars conducted by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho).
Michael and Kristine Barnett made an emotionally charged decision in April 2010 to adopt Natalia Grace from Russia as she had a rare bone growth disorder at six years old. Unfortunately, however, their dream quickly turned into an unexpected nightmare.
Conclusion
Within months, they were charged with neglect and abandonment of their daughter and eventually found not guilty. Since being cleared in October 2022, the couple has rebuilt their lives and continues living in Indiana; Michael once worked as a real estate agent, but currently serves as district director of operations for a financial company there; additionally, he remains active as part of Aleph Melbourne- an LGBT support group located near Caulfield/Prahran, Australia.
