Michael Barnett, a former real estate agent, has been at the centre of a complex and highly publicised case involving the adoption of Natalia Grace. Rumours and conjecture have surrounded Barnett’s personal life, including his sexuality, particularly following the intense scrutiny from the media and public regarding the adoption controversy.
Regarding his sexual orientation, Michael Barnett has not identified as gay. His history of relationships, notably his marriage to Kristine Barnett, with whom he has three sons, suggests that he has not been in same-sex relationships. Allegations and gossip implying that Barnett might be gay appear to be unsubstantiated, with no concrete evidence supporting these claims.
The Barnett family, inclusive of Michael, Kristine, and their three sons – Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan – came into the spotlight not just due to the extraordinary academic accomplishments of their children, especially Jacob’s early college enrolment and subsequent master’s degree, but also due to their legal entanglement over Natalia Grace’s adoption.
Natalia was adopted by the Barnetts in 2010, with the couple initially believing she was a six-year-old child from Ukraine with dwarfism. However, the family grew suspicious of Natalia’s age and sought medical opinions, which suggested she might be older than stated. This led to a reevaluation of her age and a complex series of events that culminated in the couple altering Natalia’s age on legal documents and eventually leaving her in the United States while they moved to Canada.
The Barnetts’ actions led to legal proceedings, with accusations of neglect and abandonment levelled against them in 2019. The couple defended themselves by claiming they had been misled about Natalia’s age and had acted based on what they believed to be true at the time. They presented various pieces of evidence to support their stance, including changes in Natalia’s birth date and her attempts to engage with other families post their departure.
The case continued to garner much public and media attention, sparking debate about the nature of the Barnetts’ parenting and the veracity of Natalia’s age and identity. The charges against the couple were ultimately dismissed in 2020 when they were found to have expired under the statute of limitations.
Despite the legal resolution, the Barnett family saga continues to intrigue and provoke discussion, with ongoing media coverage and new developments keeping the story in the limelight. The Barnetts, having faced legal, emotional, and public challenges, remain central figures in a narrative that touches on complex issues of family, trust, and the intricacies of international adoption.
