Wicked Wednesday: The Infamous Obsession: Exploring Hybristophilia in Men and Women
Hybristophilia, often called the “Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome,” describes the romantic or sexual attraction to individuals who commit violent or heinous crimes. While much of the discussion surrounding this phenomenon focuses on women drawn to male criminals, the reality is more complex. Men, too, can exhibit Hybristophilia tendencies, with both genders being captivated by infamous figures whose crimes shock the world.
This blog explores Hybristophilia through the lens of notorious cases, examining both women and men who fell for dangerous criminals, the psychological factors at play, and the broader implications for society.
What Is Hybristophilia?
Hybristophilia, classified as a paraphilia, involves attraction to individuals who commit violent or unlawful acts. This attraction can range from fascination to obsessive adoration, often manifesting in behaviors like writing love letters to incarcerated criminals or publicly defending their actions.
Key Characteristics of Hybristophilia:
- Attraction to Notoriety: The criminal’s fame or infamy amplifies their appeal.
- The “Fixer” Complex: Belief in the ability to reform or save the criminal.
- Romanticizing Rebellion: Danger, power, and defiance of societal norms become alluring traits.
- Emotional Validation: Feeling “chosen” by someone perceived as powerful or notorious.
Famous Women Who Loved Criminal Men
Ted Bundy and Carole Ann Boone
Ted Bundy, one of America’s most infamous serial killers, was convicted of murdering over 30 women. Despite the horrific nature of his crimes, Bundy attracted a swarm of admirers, including Carole Ann Boone, who married him during his trial and bore his child. Boone stood by Bundy for years, convinced of his innocence, even as evidence mounted against him.
Richard Ramirez and Doreen Lioy
Richard Ramirez, the “Night Stalker,” terrorized California in the 1980s, committing a string of murders, rapes, and burglaries. His satanic symbolism and violent crimes didn’t deter Doreen Lioy, a magazine editor who married him while he was on death row. Lioy described him as “kind” and “funny,” highlighting how Hybristophilia can distort reality.
Charles Manson and His Followers
Charles Manson, leader of the infamous Manson Family, orchestrated a series of murders that shocked the nation. Despite his conviction, Manson maintained a following of women who adored him. One of his later admirers, Afton Elaine Burton, even planned to marry him, illustrating how some individuals romanticize dangerous figures.
Men Drawn to Female Criminals
Jodi Arias and Her Devotees
Jodi Arias, convicted of murdering her boyfriend, Travis Alexander, received romantic letters and proposals from male admirers while incarcerated. Some men were captivated by her appearance and perceived vulnerability, overlooking the violent details of her crime.
Diane Downs and Her Infamy
Diane Downs, convicted of shooting her three children in 1983, attracted male admirers despite the horrific nature of her actions. Her courtroom composure and media appearances drew fascination, with some men believing in her innocence and sympathizing with her claims of victimization.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Her Relationships
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, known for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, has claimed that over 250 men texted her expressing romantic interest after her case gained notoriety. Several of these men sent her money or visited her in prison. Gypsy eventually became engaged twice: first to Ryan Anderson, whom she later married and divorced, and now to Ken Urker, her current fiancé and the father of her daughter, Aurora. These relationships highlight the Hybristophilia tendencies directed toward Gypsy and her reciprocation of such attention.
Psychological and Cultural Factors Driving Hybristophilia
- Psychological Factors
- Danger as Attraction: The thrill of being associated with danger excites some individuals.
- Projection and Idealization: Admirers project qualities like vulnerability or misunderstood genius onto criminals.
- Attachment Issues: Unhealthy relationship patterns often underlie Hybristophilia, especially for those with a history of insecure attachments.
- Cultural Influence
- Media Sensationalism: The glamorization of criminals through documentaries, movies, and TV shows can create a distorted allure.
- Notoriety Equals Power: Infamous criminals are often seen as powerful figures, which can make them more attractive.
- Gender Perspectives
- For Women: Hybristophilia in women is often tied to a desire to “fix” or nurture the criminal.
- For Men: Men drawn to female criminals are more likely to perceive them as victims or misunderstood, playing into protective instincts.
The Broader Impact of Hybristophilia
On Criminal Justice
Hybristophilia can complicate the justice system. Relationships between criminals and admirers have, in some cases, led to security breaches or even enabled criminal behavior to continue from behind bars.
On Victims and Their Families
The glorification of criminals can retraumatize victims’ families, turning the focus away from those who suffered and onto those who committed the crimes.
On Society
This phenomenon highlights society’s problematic fascination with violence and notoriety, raising ethical questions about how we portray criminals in media.
Conclusion: Unpacking the Allure
Hybristophilia remains a puzzling psychological phenomenon that defies simple explanations. Whether it’s women drawn to notorious male killers or men captivated by dangerous female criminals, the underlying factors often involve a mix of psychological vulnerabilities, cultural influences, and a distorted sense of power or intimacy.
By understanding Hybristophilia and its broader implications, we can challenge the glamorization of crime and refocus attention on victims and justice.
The story of Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard is more complex than the simplistic tales of abuse and manipulation often presented in the media. The identification of 1q21.1 microdeletion syndrome underscores the importance of understanding the genetic and psychiatric factors that shaped their lives. It also highlights the need for compassion and nuance when evaluating cases involving rare medical conditions and mental health challenges. Dee Dee was not a perfect mother, but she was a dedicated one. Her efforts to provide for Gypsy and to navigate the complexities of her disorder deserve recognition and empathy. In reexamining this case, we honor the complexities of both their lives and the broader challenges faced by families dealing with rare genetic conditions.
True Crime Tour with Fancy – A Weekend to Die For
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of true crime, mystery, and intrigue with Fancy Macelli and The Good Wives’ Network crew! Whether you’re joining us for general ticketed events or treating yourself to the exclusive VIP experience, this is your chance to dive deep into true crime storytelling like never before.
Depending on the city, events will span Thursday and Friday or Saturday and Sunday, with thrilling activities, personal interactions, and a heartfelt remembrance for Dee Dee Blanchard.
General Ticketed Events
- Candlelight Vigil: Honor Dee Dee Blanchard with a moving vigil.
- Murder Mystery Dinner: A thrilling true crime-themed dinner.
- Book Reading & Signing: Fancy reads from The Companion 2 and signs books.
- True Crime Show: A deep dive into true crime cases with Fancy.
VIP Experience
Includes a luxury party bus tour, personal meet-and-greet, signed book bundles, and an exclusive brunch with Fancy Macelli.

Fancy Macelli and her team’s work can be seen in our 8-part series with InTouch Magazine, The Reelz Channel’s Copycat Killers, A&E’s Killer Cases Season 1 Episode 6 (for which we were listed as contributors), and on our 13-episode The Good Wives’ Guide to True Crime podcast available on all major podcast platforms. You can find more information about us at thegoodwivesnetwork.com as well as on all social media platforms under @thegoodwivesnet.
Alongside her partners Mack and Sara, Fancy has also launched the non-profit Stop the Cycle of Abuse Program (SCOAP) to combat intimate partner violence.
Fancy and her team are currently working on a documentary entitled, Gypsy Rose & Nick, America’s Sweetheart Murderers. Their upcoming tell-all book of their 7-year journey with the De Dee Blanchard case gives a very personal look into what happened on June 15, 2015, in the town of Springfield, MO and more. It is entitled, It’s All a Distraction: Our 7-Year Journey of Investigating the Life, Crimes, & Murder of De Dee Blanchard. Check out our first three books in the series on Amazon, and on our website, where you can get signed copies.