After spending eight years behind bars for the second-degree murder of her mother, Gypsy Rose Blanchard is beginning a new chapter of her life—both personally and online. Released from prison on December 28, the 32-year-old has quickly made her presence known on social media, garnering millions of followers since her release.
Gypsy Rose posted a celebratory “First selfie of freedom!” on her Instagram just a day after her release, marking the beginning of her digital journey. She had previously set up her Instagram account in August, which was verified in October ahead of her release. As of now, her account boasts an impressive 4.8 million followers.
In addition to Instagram, Gypsy Rose has branched out to other platforms, including TikTok, where she has amassed 1.5 million followers, and X (formerly Twitter), where her presence is growing more slowly, with 10.3k followers. She also announced her new Snapchat account on Dec. 31 and has warned her followers about fake accounts using her name and likeness.
On her social media bios, Gypsy Rose introduces herself as a “public figure, public speaker, author, and advocate for awareness about Munchausen syndrome by proxy,” the disorder that played a significant role in her tragic past. In a recent interview with People, Gypsy Rose explained her motivation for using her platform. “I feel like I have been blessed with the ability to possibly create change,” she said. “And that is what I’m trying to do.”
Gypsy Rose’s story has captivated the public, inspiring documentaries, a Hulu miniseries titled The Act, and countless articles. Her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological condition where a caregiver intentionally induces or exaggerates illnesses in those they care for. For years, Dee Dee convinced the world—and Gypsy Rose—that her daughter was severely ill, subjecting her to unnecessary medical treatments and surgeries.
Gypsy Rose was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2016 for her role in her mother’s death. She served 85% of her sentence before being released. Her ex-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, who carried out the premeditated killing, was sentenced to life in prison. Gypsy Rose has expressed her frustration with the Hulu miniseries based on her life, saying it was “unfair and unprofessional” that it was created without her consent.
Now, Gypsy Rose is focused on telling her own story. She plans to share her experiences through her social media platforms and an upcoming ebook titled Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom, which is set to be published by Penguin Random House on January 9, 2024. The book will feature interviews, journal entries, and personal artwork from Gypsy Rose herself.
In addition to raising awareness about Munchausen syndrome by proxy and her journey, Gypsy Rose has been documenting her personal life on social media. She married Ryan Scott Anderson, a special education teacher from Louisiana, in June 2022. They met when Ryan began writing to Gypsy Rose as a pen pal in 2020. The couple’s love story will be featured in a Lifetime special, The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, which airs starting January 5.
Gypsy Rose shared a photo on Instagram from their wedding, showing her and Ryan kissing in their home, with a “Just Married” sign in the background. She also promoted the Lifetime special, encouraging fans to watch the story of how their relationship blossomed. Gypsy Rose, now known as Blanchard-Anderson, continues to forge her own path, sharing her experiences and hopes for a brighter future.
