After serving eight years in prison, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released on parole on Dec. 28, 2023. The news of Gypsy Rose’s release has sparked a controversial debate online, dividing social media users; supporters defending her actions, and critics questioning her case.

In the wake of Gypsy Rose’s release, several social media users have chosen to defend Gypsy Rose acting as an accomplice in her mother’s murder because of her childhood hardships. Clauddine Blanchard, commonly referred to as “Dee Dee,” was Gypsy Rose’s mother, who was convinced that her daughter was ill. She visited the hospital several times because she suspected her child of having sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which breathing starts and stops repeatedly. After thorough examinations, the doctors assured Clauddine that her daughter was perfectly healthy; however, she continued to disregard the medical professionals’ statements. Eventually, Clauddine convinced those around her that Gypsy had a chromosomal defect, the root cause of Gypsy Rose’s severe leukemia and muscular dystrophy. 

“What Gypsy Rose’s mother did to her was not right. She took advantage of her daughter’s fake illnesses.” Esther Park (10), a social media user, said. “Not only that, but Gypsy Rose didn’t get to live a normal childhood despite being perfectly healthy.”

Gypsy Rose’s mother continued to mentally and physically abuse her. Eventually, Gypsy Rose felt as if she could no longer deflect the torment, so she conspired the murder of her mother. In 2015, Gypsy and her boyfriend at the time Nicholas Godejohn had flown to Missouri and stabbed Gypsy Rose’s mother to death while she was sleeping. Gypsy and her boyfriend were both sentenced to prison, the former to 10 years, and the latter to life in prison.

“Of course what Gypsy and her boyfriend at the time did was not completely right, but still, people justify her actions because of how her mom abused her.” Seungmin Jeong (10), a social media user, said. “I am also conflicted about the situation and what stance to take.” 

Gypsy Rose’s fame has been continuously growing with documentaries, movies, television shows, and social media retelling her story. A particular 2019 Hulu series called, “The Act,” contributed to the popularity of her story especially. In the series, famous actress Joey King plays Gypsy Rose, acting out the events from Gypsy Rose’s childhood. 

Amassing 8.3 million followers on Instagram and 9.9 million followers on TikTok, Gypsy Rose has been bolstered by her avid supporters on social media. Several creators on these social media platforms have gone out of their way to make videos showing their love and support for Gypsy Rose. The most viral ones stated that they would be “waiting at the prison that Gypsy Rose is at” with a “Welcome Home Gypsy Rose” sign. With all the media attention, Gypsy Rose is taking a positive light out of this situation. As her following only grows larger, Gypsy Rose wants to use her platform to take action.

“I feel like I have been blessed with a platform and the ability to possibly create change, and that is what I’m trying to do,” Gypsy Rose said.

However, other social media users have described the obsession as too much. From an outside perspective, many people have stated that Gypsy Rose is being over-glorified, ultimately pressuring her to turn into an online persona or influencer. 

“I do not feel as if all the attention Gypsy is getting on social media is necessary.” Sarah Kim, a social media user, said. “She just got out of prison, and now she’s becoming similar to an influencer. I don’t really support that.”

Social media users are now debating whether or not to consider her as an influencer, or an ex-convict.