Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was convicted of second-degree murder for her role in her mother Dee Dee Blanchard’s death, has been released from prison in Missouri after serving less than 10 years of her 10-year sentence.
Background on the Murky Case
Dee Dee Blanchard was killed in June 2015 by Nicholas Godejohn, Gypsy Rose’s boyfriend at the time, who stabbed Dee Dee to death at her home in Springfield, Missouri. Gypsy Rose, now 32, had struck up an online relationship with Godejohn and convinced him to kill her mother.
Dee Dee had subjected Gypsy Rose to years of extreme medical child abuse, falsely claiming her daughter was disabled and seriously ill in order to receive charity donations and trips from organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation. Gypsy Rose ultimately hatched a plan to escape from her mother’s tight control.
Gypsy Rose accepted a plea bargain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2016 for her role in her mother’s death. Godejohn was convicted of first-degree murder in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
All Eyes on Gypsy’s Release From Prison
Ever since the shocking murder case premiered as an HBO documentary called “Mommy Dead and Dearest” in 2017, the public has been both horrified and fascinated by the extreme lengths Gypsy Rose went to gain her independence.
Attention on the case exploded again when Gypsy Rose was released from a Missouri prison on December 28, 2022, after serving 81 months—just under 7 years—behind bars. She was originally not eligible for early release until 2024, but a state policy allowed her sentence to be reduced.
In her first public statements since getting out of prison, Gypsy Rose said, “I feel like I’m freer in prison than with living with my mom. Because now, I’m actually free.”
She also shared that her time in prison gave her time for self-discovery and to work through trauma. “The only thing I learned from my mom is what not to be,” Gypsy stated.
The case has continued to be analyzed from various angles, including if Dee Dee’s medical child abuse mitigates Gypsy Rose’s culpability in her murder.
Internet Stardom for Gypsy Rose Post-Release
Since gaining her freedom, Gypsy Rose has rapidly become an online celebrity, amassing over 200,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. She is giving fans an intimate look into her post-prison life through photos and videos.
Fans have gone wild over her very first post-prison selfie, which shows off her new short haircut and nose ring, a stark difference from the childish look Dee Dee made her adopt.
Gypsy also shared that her favorite Taylor Swift songs are “Karma” and “Clean,” indicating she does not harbor ill will toward her incarceration and sees it as an opportunity to start fresh. The song lyrics take on therapeutic meaning given Gypsy’s real-life quest for a second chance.
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Her posts have highlighted her good spirits and how she is enjoying simple post-prison pleasures like getting fast food, going clothes shopping, and hanging out with her husband and supporters.
Concerns Over Public Fascination
However, some mental health experts argue that society should resist sensationalizing Gypsy Rose as an antihero or meme. The traumatic circumstances that motivated her extreme actions should preclude casual entertainment.
Critics have compared the starkly different public reactions toward Gypsy Rose versus Nicholas Godejohn and brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, who both similarly killed their parents. Some claim an unfair double standard, though others counter their crimes do significantly differ.
What Comes Next for Gypsy Rose?
Fans are highly curious what comes next for Gypsy Rose now that she has adjusted to normal life again. When asked about her future plans, Gypsy Rose said she remains focused on surrounding herself with supportive people, maintaining her mental health, and finding forgiveness.
However, she has hinted that Hollywood studios are eager to sign her for a TV or film deal about her life story. Gypsy Rose has not indicated yet if she will participate but is keeping an open mind to opportunities.
There is also intrigue around Gypsy Rose possibly trying to profit as an influencer, motivational speaker or author, stirring worries she could exploit her criminal history. For now, Gypsy seems mainly preoccupied with readjusting to society.
Her father Rod Blanchard has expressed optimism that despite her damaged past, “Gypsy Rose has a good heart and she has a lot to offer the world.” He hopes the public will give his daughter a fair chance to rewrite her story.
Lingering Questions Around Dee Dee’s Abuse
While behind bars, Gypsy Rose has grappled to understand her late mother’soutlier cruelty. She conveyed feeling immense confusion, wondering if Dee Dee loved her deep down but was too mentally unwell herself to show it.
In a new post-prison interview, Gypsy compared her mom’s compulsive lies to “an addict that just needed help so badly.”
Experts theorize Dee Dee’s fabrications stemmed from her own traumatic childhood, making her determined to get sympathy and attention by any means. She seemed to lose sight that her actions destroyed her daughter’s well-being in the process.
The public continues struggling to comprehend how a mother could be so devoted yet cruel—the ultimate conflict that rotted the Blanchard family from the inside-out.
Perhaps Gypsy Rose herself said it most poignantly: “The only thing I learned from my mom is what not to be.” Her new chance at life will demonstrate if Gypsy can constructively apply that lesson.
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