Natalia Grace, the subject of the real-life 'Orphan' that shocked the world, has filed a large damages lawsuit against Disney and Hulu.
On the 21st (local time), foreign media reported that Natalia filed a complaint alleging defamation and the infliction of emotional distress, saying the drama "Good American Family," which deals with her life, maliciously depicted her.
The series, which drew attention with Ellen Pompeo in the lead, depicts the perspective of Christine Barnett, the foster mother who adopted Natalia. The drama gives significant weight to the foster parents' claim that the daughter they adopted believing she was a 6-year-old child was actually a 22-year-old adult and that she tried to harm the family.
Natalia, who is currently estimated to be about 24, argued in the lawsuit that the drama portrayed her as deceptive, dangerous and a manipulative liar. She also angrily said the show framed her as if she were responsible for violence or attempted murder despite being a child.
She pointed out that despite the production company's notice that "some events are fictional," it was not clear which parts were factual and which were fabricated, causing the public serious misunderstanding.
Surprisingly, Natalia filed the lawsuit herself without a lawyer. She criticized Disney for emphasizing only the foster parents' sensational claims while only later revealing the abuse and abandonment she actually suffered as a child.
Previously, the Barnett couple, who were her foster parents, forcibly changed Natalia's birth year from 2003 to 1989, left her alone in an apartment and went to Canada, and were charged with abandonment and neglect. However, the case fell into confusion after they were later acquitted in court.
Natalia is now reported to be living alone after breaking with a new adoptive family and preparing a new life as a photographer. She suffers from the rare intractable disease mitochondrial myopathy and is raising funds for spinal surgery exceeding $500,000 (about 670 million won) to prevent the risk of total paralysis.
Natalia Grace, once called the "real-life Orphan" and subjected to the world's suspicious glances, is now pursuing a "battle over the truth" against the giant corporation Disney, and attention is focused on what outcome it will reach.
[Photo] 'Good American Family' still, poster
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