Gypsy-Rose Blanchard: I had Mom killed. I hope she’d be proud of me now
Feb 4, 2025
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Explore the chilling tale of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was manipulated by her mother, leading to her shocking actions. The podcast dives into the complexities of their abusive relationship, the aftermath of her mother's tragic murder, and Gypsy's tumultuous journey toward autonomy. Media sensationalism surrounding her story is examined, along with the paradox of newfound fame and her quest for forgiveness. It raises poignant questions about empathy, trauma, and the blurred lines between victimhood and villainy.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's traumatic upbringing stemmed from her mother's severe Munchausen syndrome by proxy, which twisted her reality and led to abuse.
Following her mother's murder, Gypsy became a media sensation, highlighting the complexities of exploitation amidst public fascination with true crime stories.
Deep dives
The Life of Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Gypsy Rose Blanchard led a traumatic childhood characterized by her mother's severe manipulation and abuse. Her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, inflicted Munchausen syndrome by proxy on Gypsy, convincing everyone that her daughter suffered from multiple debilitating health issues. This deception included forcing Gypsy to use a wheelchair despite her ability to walk and altering her appearance to fit the fabricated narrative of illness. Dee Dee’s motives seemed tied to her desire for attention and sympathy from others, leading to a fraught upbringing for Gypsy marked by isolation and a desperate search for normality.
The Murder of Dee Dee Blanchard
In a shocking turn of events, Gypsy Rose collaborated with her online boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to murder her mother in June 2015. Feeling trapped and realizing that pursuing surgery on her vocal cords was the last straw, Gypsy sought an escape from her abusive environment. Godejohn traveled to their home and stabbed Dee Dee while Gypsy concealed herself in the bathroom. After the murder, Gypsy posted a Facebook status revealing the crime, ultimately leading law enforcement to discover the reality of her situation.
The Aftermath and Public Fascination
Gypsy Rose's story quickly garnered national media attention, transforming her from a victim into a sensationalized celebrity. Upon her arrest, the shocking details about her mother's abuse and Gypsy's true health sparked unparalleled public intrigue, leading to adaptations such as a Hulu series titled 'The Act.' Even after her release from prison in December 2023, Gypsy continues to be followed by the media and has capitalized on her story with a significant online presence. The complexities of her fame raise questions about exploitation and the societal obsession with true crime narratives.
In 2016, 24-year-old Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was sentenced to 10 years in the US State of Missouri, for arranging the murder of her mother. Her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, had Munchausen syndrome by proxy - a rare form of abuse where she would convince doctors that her daughter was ill - leading to unnecessary treatment. The harrowing details of what Blanchard went through have made her a media sensation - but should we feel sympathy for her?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Katie Gatens, Deputy Editor of News Review, The Sunday Times.