Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up is a brand new documentary series that follows Gypsy's new start after her release from prison, while she struggles to confront her past. It chronicles the story of her life, what led to her mother's murder and what she plans to do next. The series is airing Mondays at 9pm on Crime + Investigation and also streaming weekly on Crime + Investigation Play.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s media presence exploded when she was released from prison in December 2023. The 32-year-old from Louisiana has had millions of eyes on her newfound freedom, with many people interested in how she navigates life after confinement. However, her journey has been anything but easy, from tumultuous relationships to the microscope of the media.
Background
Gypsy Rose Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after she conspired with her ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill her mother in June 2015. The case was very high-profile due to the Munchausen syndrome by proxy that Gypsy’s mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, inflicted on her to gain attention. Gypsy was sentenced to 10 years in prison and later released on parole after serving eight years.
Media attention
The interest surrounding Gypsy's case intensified around the time of her release. Very quickly, she gained millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok, and released a book within a month of leaving prison. She developed a close relationship with her followers, partly due to her openness about her new life. Posting everything from ‘get ready with me’ videos to prison recipes, Gypsy's content fed a global obsession with her story.
During this time, Gypsy appeared in many television interviews, from The View to Good Morning America. She used her platform to advocate for other victims of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, hoping to save people from having to go through the same traumas as her.
As often happens on the internet, this popularity didn't come without backlash. The dark nature of Gypsy’s complex history made her a controversial figure and a target for online abuse. Some people even went as far as sending death threats, causing her to fear for her safety.
No area of her life was off-limits for public engrossment. For example, since serving time, Gypsy has undergone a makeover. From new blonde hair to a rhinoplasty and dental work, her appearance has been transformed. This, too, prompted people to share their opinions.
Gypsy eventually deleted all of her social media accounts in March 2024, explaining that her parole officer was concerned about her getting into trouble and ending up back in jail. However, she has since started posting publicly on Instagram and TikTok again. Gypsy describes herself as a ‘trauma survivor’, making it clear that she does not want to be considered a celebrity. As she continues to share aspects of her life, she is also healing from everything that she has been through.
Marriage
During her time in prison, Gypsy married her now-estranged husband, Ryan Anderson. The special education teacher was one of over 250 men who wrote to her in prison. Bonding over their shared Louisiana heritage, the two formed a relationship and were married in July 2022. It was a small ceremony with no guests, with the intention of having a larger wedding once Gypsy was free. Following her release from prison, they moved in together.
Under the spotlight of the media, their relationship received a high volume of attention. Like Gypsy, Ryan was subjected to scrutiny. When he received hate comments on a selfie, Gypsy went viral by defending him with a raunchy comment.
Divorce
On 8th April 2024, Gypsy filed for a restraining order against Ryan. Three days later, he filed for one against her. She moved back in with her father and stepmother, announcing the couple's separation on her private Facebook account.
Reportedly, Gypsy has said that their relationship fell apart because Ryan was controlling, but he denies these claims. She has requested that he receives no spousal support, which will be decided in the divorce proceedings. This separation came less than two years after their marriage and three months after Gypsy’s release.
Gypsy is now seeing former fiancé Ken Urker, another man who wrote to her in prison. Ken proposed in 2018, but their relationship has been on and off. He was a source of conflict in her relationship with Ryan, as Gypsy maintained a friendship with her former flame. It was this friendship that led to their rekindled romantic relationship after her separation from Ryan.
Find out more
Discover more about Gypsy Rose Blanchard in the upcoming show Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up on Crime + Investigation. The docuseries will follow Gypsy's release, her relationships and her media presence. Audiences are invited into the ups and downs of adjusting to life on the outside, from learning to ride a bike to processing her unexpected fame.
Find out how to watch Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up in the UK.
