Gypsy Rose Blanchard, the woman known for her involvement in the murder of her abusive mother, has recently spoken out after spending eight and a half years in prison. Blanchard's story gained widespread recognition through documentaries and TV series, including HBO's 'Mommy Dead and Dearest' and Hulu's 'The Act'. In an exclusive interview, she describes her time in prison as her first taste of freedom.
Released on parole after serving over 80% of her 10-year sentence, Blanchard admits to her wrongdoing and takes full accountability for her actions. Back in 2016, Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for plotting with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godijan, to kill her mother, Didi. Godijan, who admitted to stabbing Didi to death, is currently serving a life sentence without parole.
Blanchard tells her harrowing tale of being a victim of her mother's control, deceit, and the tragic consequences that ensued. She reveals that she was a target of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare disorder in which a caregiver fabricates or induces illnesses in a child for attention. Blanchard, forced to fake serious medical conditions, including the need for a wheelchair and cancer, felt trapped and unable to escape her mother's abuse.
When asked if she could have gone through with killing her own mother if it were just her, Blanchard firmly states that she would never be capable of such an act. She explains that she was pushed to a breaking point and felt she had no other option but to ask Godijan for help, believing it was her only way out.
Reflecting on her current situation, Blanchard acknowledges that if her mother were still alive, she would remain trapped in the cycle of abuse. She expresses that her mother was a sick woman who needed significant mental health care rather than being vilified as an evil monster.
In an unexpected turn, Gypsy Rose Blanchard reveals that she has forgiven her mother. Despite the decades of victimization and trauma she endured, she sees her mother with compassion and understanding, recognizing that mental illness played a significant role in her mother's actions.
Since her release, Blanchard has gained a large following on social media, amassing over 6 million followers. Her journey from a childhood overshadowed by abuse to her newfound independence and remarriage will be documented in an upcoming docuseries on Lifetime.
As Gypsy Rose Blanchard reclaims her freedom, she aims to shed light on the complexities of her story. Her hope is that by sharing her experiences, people will gain a better understanding of the devastating effects of abuse and mental illness.
