As the case of the Menendez brothers gains renewed attention, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who has experienced her tumultuous path to freedom, has some sage advice for the pair if they are indeed granted a new trial or resentencing.
Blanchard, who was released from prison in 2023 after serving seven years for the murder of her abusive mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, spoke with TMZ about the Menendez brothers’ situation and what they should consider if allowed to reenter society.
“It’s tough to come out to a world that has changed so much even in the time that I spent [in prison],” Blanchard told the outlet at LAX. “I would say take your time, you know, adjust properly. And get therapy because you need it in this kind of world [and] day and age.”
The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, have been serving life sentences since 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Mary “Kitty” Menendez, in Beverly Hills. However, their case has received new scrutiny recently, with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón revealing that “new evidence” has surfaced that could potentially warrant reevaluating their convictions or sentences.
While Blanchard acknowledged that she is “not very educated” on the intricacies of the Menendez case, she expressed her unwavering support for abuse victims and her belief that their rights need to be more thoroughly advocated for.
“I’m an advocate for abuse victims in general, and I’m all about prison reform, so… if the case is being reviewed, then hopefully something can be done,” Blanchard said. “Abuse victims need to be advocated for more.”
The reality TV star’s comments follow Kim Kardashian’s recent advocacy for the Menendez brothers. The mogul wrote an essay for NBC News calling for their sentences to be “reconsidered.” Blanchard quickly applauded Kardashian’s efforts, labeling her a “wise woman” who “makes good decisions in her prison reform era.”
Blanchard’s experience with the justice system has undoubtedly informed her perspective on the Menendez brothers’ potential path to freedom. In 2015, Blanchard was convicted of second-degree murder for her role in the killing of her mother, Dee Dee, whom she accused of subjecting her to years of abuse and Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
After serving her sentence, Blanchard has been vocal about the challenges of reintegrating into a world that has changed dramatically during her time behind bars. She hopes the Menendez brothers will be prepared for this reality if granted a new trial or resentencing.
“It’s tough to come out to a world that has changed so much even in the time that I spent [in prison],” Blanchard reiterated. “I would say take your time, you know, adjust properly. And get therapy because you need it in this kind of world [and] day and age.”
Blanchard’s empathetic words underscore the unique struggles that abuse victims face, both during and after their incarceration. As someone who has walked a similar path, her advice to the Menendez brothers speaks to the importance of prioritizing mental health and taking a measured approach to reentering society.
With the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office now reviewing the Menendez case, the brothers’ long-awaited opportunity for justice or freedom could be on the horizon. And if that day comes, Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s words of wisdom may prove invaluable in guiding them through the next chapter of their lives.
As Blanchard so eloquently put it, “Abuse victims need to be advocated for more.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, not only in the context of the Menendez case but for all those who have endured the trauma of abuse. With compassionate voices like Blanchard’s leading the way, perhaps true justice and healing can finally be achieved.