Introduction
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who served 10 years in prison for her role in her mother’s murder, has spoken out for the first time since being released on parole last month. In several new interviews, Gypsy claims she never wanted her mother dead, despite the years of medical child abuse she endured.
Dee Dee Blanchard, Gypsy’s mother, had fabricated and exaggerated Gypsy’s illnesses for years in a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. After discovering the extent of the deception, Gypsy began plotting her escape with her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn. In 2015, Godejohn stabbed Dee Dee to death at Gypsy’s behest.
Now 32 years old, Gypsy says she has found happiness with her new husband Ryan and just wants to live a “normal, boring life.” However, many questions remain about her role in her mother’s murder and whether she has taken full accountability.
Gypsy Claims She Never Wanted Her Mother Dead
In a new interview with ABC News, Gypsy stated:
“I didn’t want my mom dead. I wanted her to get help. I wanted her to stop lying and I wanted her to stop abusing me. The only way I saw out was by running away.”
Despite orchestrating her mother’s murder with Godejohn, Gypsy maintains that Dee Dee’s death was never her intention:
“I honestly thought he would just show up, pretend to be a cop or something to get my mom to let me go. I didn’t think he was actually capable of what he did.”
She admits feeling relieved after the murder but says she “didn’t have time to process it” before the police arrived to question her.
While Gypsy takes some responsibility for her role, she still largely paints herself as another victim of her controlling, abusive mother. Critics argue that plotting a murder demonstrates mens rea – a guilty mind – regardless of whether she expected Godejohn to actually carry it out.
Life in Prison Was “Not Much Different” Than With Her Mother
Gypsy also spoke about her 10 years behind bars, stating that prison life was depressing but in some ways similar to living with her mother:
“It really wasn’t much different except for I couldn’t shower [privately]…I felt like I was always in trouble no matter what I did…I had to ask permission for everything. It was like living with my mom in a way.”
In prison, Gypsy passed the GED exam, took courses, saw a therapist, and got married. She credits the counseling sessions with helping her process Dee Dee’s abuse.
“My mom was the definition of Munchausen [syndrome] by proxy…She liked being seen as the hero mom.”
Gypsy hopes to use her platform to raise awareness of parental medical abuse going forward.
Concerns Over Gypsy’s Accountability
While many have sympathy for Gypsy’s tragic upbringing, some experts argue she has not fully taken responsibility or shown remorse for her mother’s violent murder.
Forensic psychologist Ziv Cohen told The Daily Beast:
“She still largely sees herself as a victim in this…There’s minimal accountability on her end for what transpired.”
Dee Dee Blanchard’s family also feels Gypsy got off easy with her 10 year sentence. Her aunt, Laura Pitre, stated:
“I don’t think Gypsy has a conscience. She lies too easily.”
The prosecuting attorney similarly said he believes Gypsy to be “a master manipulator.” These criticisms raise fair questions over whether Gypsy has genuinely taken responsibility.
What’s Next for Gypsy Rose Blanchard?
Now a free woman for the first time in her adult life, many wonder what the future looks like for Gypsy Rose Blanchard. According to Gypsy, she hopes for a simple, quiet existence:
“I just want a normal, boring life…I want to go to the grocery store without being recognized.”
She plans to remain in the Springfield area but understands she may have to move if she gets too much media attention locally. Wherever she resides, Gypsy will have strict conditions, including probation meetings, counseling, and no contact with her mother’s family.
Gypsy also aims to have children someday but acknowledges she has much healing left to do first:
“I feel like I’m still emotionally and mentally 15…I have a lot of work to do before that.”
For now, Gypsy is focused on adjusting to modern technology, catching up on 11 years of pop culture, and figuring out who she is as a person.
Her story captivated the nation’s attention. While the tragic circumstances garner some sympathy, Gypsy must continue to reckon with her role in her mother’s violent stabbing. This next chapter remains murky but pivotal in Gypsy taking accountability.
Timeline of Key Events in the Gypsy Blanchard Case
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Gypsy Rose Blanchard born in Louisiana |
| 2000 | Dee Dee starts exaggerating and fabricating Gypsy’s medical conditions |
| 2008 | Dee Dee and Gypsy relocated to Missouri after Hurricane Katrina |
| 2012 | Gypsy meets Nicholas Godejohn online; they begin secretly dating |
| 2015 | Gypsy asks Godejohn to come murder her mother; he does so in June 2015 |
| 2016 | Gypsy accepts plea deal, sentenced to 10 years in prison |
| 2023 | Gypsy released from prison on parole |
| 2024 | Gypsy speaks out about the case publicly for the first time |
This timeline provides an overview of key events in the Gypsy Blanchard case, from when the medical deception began through her recent release from prison after serving 10 years.
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