'Happy Gypsy Rose day': Internet cheers as Gypsy Rose Blanchard walks free after serving 7-year sentence

CHILLICOTHE, MISSOURI: Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was convicted of killing her mother after enduring years of abuse and medical fraud, was released early from prison on Thursday, December 28. 

The 32-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2015 for the second-degree murder of Clauddine ‘Dee Dee’ Blanchard in Missouri. Gypsy walked out from Chillicothe Correctional Center 3.30 am.  

Gypsy Rose Blanchard had a troubled childhood due to her mother

Gypsy Rose Blanchard had a troubled childhood as her mother suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP), a mental disorder that made her lie about Gypsy’s age and health conditions.

She forced Gypsy to use a wheelchair, feeding tube, and an oxygen tank, even when she could walk and breathe normally. She also subjected her to unnecessary surgeries and treatments and received donations and sympathy from charities and doctors.

She was also forced to take medications she didn't need and had her head shaved to convince their friends, family, and community that she was suffering from muscular dystrophy, leukemia, and other ailments, according to People. 

Gypsy Rose Blanchard eventually found a way out of her mother’s manipulation by meeting Nicholas Godejohn online.

The two of them plotted to kill Dee Dee Blanchard and Godejohn stabbed her to death with a knife that Gypsy gave him. They then fled the scene but were soon arrested after posting the details of the crime on Facebook.

Why did Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s case spark media interest?

The case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother shocked the public and the media as it revealed the dark side of a seemingly loving and devoted mother-daughter relationship.

Sheriff Jim Arnott, who investigated the case, said in 2015, “Things are not always as they appear. This is a tragic event surrounded by mystery and public deception.”

The case also inspired several documentary series and TV shows, such as HBO’s 'Mommy Dead and Dearest', Hulu’s 'The Act', and Lifetime’s 'Love You to Death.'

Many viewers sympathized with Gypsy’s plight and saw her as a victim rather than a perpetrator. Soon after her release, the internet erupted in support of her with some stating it was a "Happy Gypsy Rose Day!." More users rejoiced with the news sharing memes and dancing clips along with there posts. 

One more wrote, "Happy gypsy rose blanchard day to everyone celebrating." Third fan reacted, "ROSE IS OUTTT."

Even as many people celebrated, in between there were some who shared concern on her release. One wrote it was "sad" and another termed her an "evil woman."

One fan wrote, "Like so many stories, I hope she finds peace in her freedom." Another one termed her early release and internet celebration as "female privilege." 

Gypsy Rose Blanchard plans to attend a Kansas City Chiefs game with her husband on December 31

Gypsy Rose Blanchard was granted parole in 2021 and was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 3.30 am local time.

She has been married to Ryan Scott Anderson, 36, and the couple plans to attend a Kansas City Chiefs game on December 31.

Gypsy also hopes to meet Taylor Swift, the pop star and girlfriend of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whom she admires for her “girl power” as tod to TMZ.

Why was Gypsy Rose Blanchard's release kept secretive? 

Gypsy Rose Blanchard has other big things coming in the new year. She will star in a six-hour Lifetime docuseries 'The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard' which will air on January 5, 6, and 7, 2024. The docuseries will feature exclusive footage of Gypsy’s life in prison and her side of the story. Gypsy said she wants to share her truth and help others in abusive situations.

Her release was "kept secretive" as suggested by the Communications Director for the Missouri Department, Karen Pojmann to TMZ before her release. He had said post her release that "no one will be allowed on the premises for Gypsy's upcoming release which means no media, fans or spectators."