Gypsy-Rose’s first Instagram post afer her release, in which she captioned “First selfie of freedom!” (@GypsyRose_A_Blanchard/Instagram)

Dec. 28, 2023, marked a day in history after Gypsy-Rose Blanchard-Anderson gained freedom from her eight-year prison sentence. Since the incident with her mother, Blanchard has become an advocate for the awareness of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Blanchard added the addition to her name after marrying in 2022 behind bars to her husband, Ryan Anderson.

In 2016, Blanchard was condemned to 10 years in prison after being convicted and pleading guilty to the murder of her mother, Clauddine, with the help of her then online boyfriend. Blanchard’s situation gained several media adaptations, such as HBO’s documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest” and Hulu’s series “The Act,” starring Joey King. Blanchard was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a rare form of abuse where the parent or guardian is convinced the child is sick or ill when, in reality, they are perfectly healthy. Since her release from prison, Blanchard has reformed herself as an activist for this mental illness.

Upon the climax of her release, social media went wild. Videos of her in court, confessing her crime went viral. Blanchard said she never planned her fame on Instagram and TikTok, but is grateful for the support she receives.

Upon her rise to fame, she gained the title “America’s Princess.” Edits of her, including her court trial, were uploaded to TikTok in support. In recent contradictions, others believe she should’ve served her full-time and not held a presence on social media. 

Do I think what she did was wrong? Absolutely. She served her time for what she did, but I believe she had no other option but to flee her abuse. Because of the crime she committed, I think we should not treat her like any other public figure. She’s a renowned activist, author, is happily married and owns a right to privacy. 

She was practically birthed into fame without consent, having the most traumatic parts of her life open to the public. She may share parts of her life that are unnecessary (referencing the comment she made under her husband’s post referring to his “D” as “fire”), but she is human like us all.

I’m a proud supporter of this new chapter for her, but reminding her of what she’s gone through in Instagram comments is where I draw the line.