Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who received widespread media attention for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, has publicly stated that her 10-year sentence was excessive in light of the circumstances.
It was confirmed this week that Gypsy Rose will be released from prison early on parole.
Her comments about her 10-year sentence were revealed in resurfaced snippets from her revealing interview with Dr. Phil.
In 2015, Gypsy Rose's world unraveled when her mother was found dead, leading to a discovery of years of deception and abuse.
Gypsy Rose, who was portrayed by her mother as severely ill, both mentally and physically, was initially believed to be kidnapped, given the absence of her medical equipment from their home. However, her subsequent discovery in Wisconsin revealed a shocking twist—she didn’t suffer from the ailments her mother had declared for years.
Dee Dee, it was revealed, had Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy, a mental health disorder causing her to fabricate Gypsy Rose's health issues, leading to unnecessary medical treatments and confinement to a wheelchair.
A swift investigation implicated Gypsy Rose in her mother's murder, revealing her role in plotting with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to end Dee Dee's life, an act fueled by years of ongoing abuse.
She shared her conflicting emotions regarding her sentence with Dr. Phil back in 2017, stating, "I believe firmly that no matter what, murder is not okay. But at the same time, I don't believe I deserved as many years as I got."
Dr. Phil, probing her reflections and responsibility over her mother’s death, prompted Gypsy Rose to acknowledge her role in the tragic events, expressing her uncertain stance on “just punishment” and her need for suitable help, given her abusive past.
She elaborated, "I knew I was being abused but I didn't know exactly what kind of abuse it was."
Her revelations paint a harrowing picture of a life marred by imposed limitations and unnecessary medical interventions, revealing her desperation to escape her manipulated existence, stating, "I didn't want her dead, I just wanted that life to stop."
The resurgence of Gypsy Rose's story, coupled with her impending release, is reshaping dialogues around abuse, mental health, and the justice system, posing questions about the intersections of abuse, culpability, and rehabilitation in high-profile cases.
