Gypsy Rose Blanchard 2.0? Lifetime Movie To Tell Story Of A Mom With Cyber Munchausen
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on May 10, 2024 at 3:36 PM EDT
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's story has gone viral as she went to jail after pleading guilty to her involvement in her mother's murder. However, investigators think she was a victim of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.
Now, another story is coming forward, which is similar to Gypsy's story -- and it's being made into a movie.
Who Is Gypsy Rose Blanchard?
32-year-old Gypsy Rose Blanchard rose to fame after she spent eight and a half years in prison co-conspiring to kill her mom, Dee Dee Blanchard. She is also believed to be the victim of Munchausen Syndrome by proxy.
Gypsy's mother convinced medical professionals, amongst others, including Gypsy herself, that she had suffered from several diseases and illnesses, which led to unnecessary prescriptions and surgeries.
Her story has been told in documentaries such as 'Mommy Dead & Dearest' and 'Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose.' Now, another story similar to Gypsy Rose's is about to be told in a new Lifetime movie.
'Catfish' Mom's Story Is Turning Into A Lifetime Movie
Kendra Gail Licari's name became well-known after being caught catfishing and bullying her own daughter.
Kendra's daughter and her daughter's boyfriend at the time were both victims of the harassment, which investigators later allege to be the result of “cyber Munchausen's syndrome,” which “seems to be the type of behavior where you're making somebody feel bad – or need you in their life – because of this behavior," according to Prosecutor David Barberi, who spoke with Local 12.
It was later discovered that Kendra used software to hide her location and utilized multiple numbers with different area codes, as well as select slang words, to make her daughter think her friends were sending the texts. Investigators compiled 349 pages of “demeaning, demoralizing, and just mean texts."
She pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and was sentenced to between 19 months and five years behind bars. Her story will now be told in a new Lifetime movie, 'Mommy Meanest,' which premieres on Saturday, May 11.
After the popularity of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, the world could see Kendra Gail Licari's daughter's story also become viral.
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy VS Cyber Munchausen's Syndrome
While these disorders are not exactly the same, Cyber Munchausen's Syndrome may remind many of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, the physiological disorder that investigators believe Dee Dee Blanchard had.
According to WebMD, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a "psychological disorder marked by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver through those who are in their care."
Cyber Munchausen's Syndrome, also known as Munchausen by Internet, is described as "the misuse of Internet groups by offering false stories of personal illness and crisis to garner attention and nurturing," per APA PsycNet.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Story To Be Told In A Lifetime Docuseries
After the 32-year-old was released from prison, Lifetime documented Gypsy Rose's every move in an upcoming docuseries, 'Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup.'
Per Lifetime, "This series is an authentic, raw and revealing look at Gypsy’s new life on the outside. From the joyful moments as she is free to make her own decisions for the first time, to the challenges of navigating life and relationships while facing her past, including the abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and Gypsy’s own notoriety and fame."
The network added, "In this delayed-coming-of-age story, Gypsy must reconcile the pop-culture, celebrity version of herself while trying to forge her brand-new identity in a “normal” world as wife, sister, daughter and most of all – a free woman."
Recently, The Blast has reported on Gypsy Rose visiting the beach for the first time, ordering Hailey Bieber's popular smoothie, and getting a complete makeover, all of which is expected to be included in the upcoming docuseries.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Announces Separation From Ryan Anderson
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's marriage to Ryan Anderson is also expected to be shown, which should answer fans' questions about what happened between the two.
As The Blast previously reported, Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ryan Anderson separated three months after Gypsy was released from prison. She is now dating her ex-fiancé, Ken Urker.
Neither Gypsy nor Ryan has explained why they made this decision. However, rumors have circulated that Ryan was verbally abusive and controlling. Ryan has since told fans they will "see what really happened" in the upcoming docuseries.