Three months ago, Missouri’s Chillicothe Correctional Center released ex-convict, author and public figure Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Arrested in the summer of 2015 due to the conspiracy of her mother’s death, Blanchard spent nearly nine years in prison. With films such as “The Act” and Blanchard’s documentary, the public became familiar with her story and she stepped into a world of fame.
Conspiring with her ex-boyfriend Nicholas Godejan, Blanchard holds accountability for her husband’s death. During her time in prison, she met her now-husband, Ryan Anderson. The couple—without experiencing the steps of living together or knowing each other outside of the prison walls— married in July of 2022, in the walls of her correctional center. To no surprise, the couple declared their separation from their marriage Thursday, March 28. Given Blanchard’s complicated and traumatic familial past, she and Anderson should have never married in the first place.
Critics—especially her fans— may argue that Anderson could have helped Blanchard gain balance and stability as she enters a normal life. After all, Anderson bought various items for Blanchard post-release to aid her confidence: false lashes, new shoes and even a new phone. To the public eye, the couple seemed perfect.
Nonetheless, Blanchard has never known of a “normal” lifestyle. Blanchard’s mother, Clauddine, suffered from Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy(MSP.) From fabricating her daughter’s age to pretending her daughter suffers from various physical illnesses, Clauddine inflicts unnecessary mental and physical pain onto Blanchard. After her death, Blanchard spent nearly nine years in prison walls. Clearly, the public figure has never endured a normal life, meaning she has not received the opportunity to discover herself.
“I just thought it was a little weird when they popped out when she first got out of prison. Didn’t he start writing to her when she was in jail? I don’t know. We have seen her past with relationships, I don’t think she is meant to be in one right now. Her last boyfriend killed her mom, so I think she just needs to be with herself,” senior Sidnei Oglesby said.
In fact, when discussing her reasoning for a separation. Blanchard talked about finding her true identity. Given that both Blanchard and Anderson boast about their individual friendships and support, their friends should have discouraged their marriage. Furthermore, Anderson should have never agreed to marry someone who has recently endured a substantial amount of trauma.
“People have been asking what is going on in my life. Unfortunately, my husband and I are going through a separation and I moved in with my parents [sic] home down the bayou…I have the support of my family and friends to help guide me through this. I am learning to listen to my heart. Right now I need time to let myself find… who I am,” Blanchard said.
Aside from Blanchard’s mental health and journey to self-discovery, their relationship lacked the foundation for a marriage. Because Blanchard stood behind the prison walls for all but three months of their relationship, the couple likely did not know each other enough to get married. Simple, yet important, determinants of a relationship such as religion, parenting styles, communication and house chores could dictate the course of a relationship. It remains nearly impossible for couples to familiarize themselves with these determinants without traditionally dating or living together.
Ultimately, there persist various reasons that Anderson and Blanchard should have never married. As Blanchard will now—for the first time— experience life on her own without her mother or a partner, one could only hope the best for an inspiring and strong young woman.
