Jan. 2, 2024
The woman whose life inspired the popular Hulu series The Act, has been released on parole after serving eight years for the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. By: Wee Yan Ling
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, 32, was granted parole on Thursday which marks the culmination of an eight-year sentence for the second-degree murder of her mother. She was originally sentenced to ten years; however, her case has captured the public’s attention, and became the basis for both a Hulu series and a HBO documentary.
Blanchard is a victim of Munchausen by Proxy, a rare form of abuse where a guardian exaggerates or induces illness in a child for attention or sympathy. Her mother had fabricated numerous illnesses such as leukaemia and asthma. The prosecution unveiled that Gypsy with her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn had conspired to murder Dee Dee and she was ultimately stabbed to death by Godejogn in her home. He had been charged with a life sentence for first-degree murder.
The case has inspired the Hulu series, The Act which stars Joey King and a HBO documentary titled Mommy Dead and Dearest. Lifetime is set to premiere The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard early next year, on January 5 which includes an exclusive interview with her from prison.
Blanchard has regretted her actions and felt remorse for killing her mother. Despite the abusive conditions she had to endure, she had acknowledged her lack of understanding at the time. She also urged those in abuse relationships to not resort to violence and had underscored the importance of seeking for alternative solutions.
To never miss a story — sign up for Viral Weekly free newsletter to stay up-to-date with compelling TV and Film news and views.