Gypsy Rose Blanchard Initiates Anti-Bullying Campaign Following Partner's Death

<p>Gypsy Rose Blanchard is initiating an anti-bullying campaign following the death of her partner, Kenan "Ken" Urker, who passed away at his home in Louisiana on his birthday, October 1. He was 34 years old.</p><p>Blanchard, 35, stated that Urker faced significant online scrutiny prior to his death and urged her social media followers to support an anti-bullying petition in his memory.</p><p>In a social media post, Blanchard said, "I only have my daughter and my voice. In honor of Ken, I am asking for your support for Kenan’s Law." She explained that Urker experienced what she described as "targeted harassment and cyberbullying." </p><p>Blanchard noted that reports were made across various platforms, but often the response was "No violation." She emphasized that Kenan’s Law aims to change how social media platforms handle repeated reports of harassment, arguing that patterns of behavior should be reviewed more thoroughly.</p><p>She clarified, "This is not about silencing criticism or taking away anyone’s freedom of speech. Public figures can and should be criticized. But public figures are still human beings, and fame should never erase someone’s humanity." Blanchard expressed her determination to advocate for a better system for individuals who feel unheard.</p><p>In a statement to PEOPLE, Blanchard indicated that she believes Urker died from a drug overdose, although she is uncertain if it was intentional. She mentioned that he had not been in a good state of mind recently.</p><p>The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that Urker was found dead after loved ones requested a welfare check. An incident report stated that family members observed him lying unconscious through a window. A man accompanying them entered the house and found Urker unresponsive.</p><p>Investigators reported finding syringes and a spoon near a brown powdery substance in the bathroom, along with a handgun and other items in the bedroom. The sheriff's office noted that Urker appeared to have been deceased for some time and stated there are no signs of foul play. The investigation is ongoing.</p><p>Blanchard was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for second-degree murder in 2016 for her involvement in the death of her mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard. She was released on parole in December 2023 after serving 85% of her sentence.</p><p>Blanchard and Urker were engaged in 2018 while she was incarcerated but later separated. They rekindled their relationship after her first marriage and welcomed their daughter, Aurora, on December 28, 2024.</p>