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Blanche Monnier: The girl who was locked away for 25 years

In 1901, a letter showed up at the Paris Attorney General’s office that no one could ignore. The writer revealed a shocking truth: Blanche Monnier, a woman from Poitiers, had been locked away in a small attic room for a staggering 25 years.

The letter painted a grim picture of Blanche’s condition — “half-starved, living on a putrid litter,” with everything around her covered in filth.

When the police arrived, they were met with a scene straight out of a horror story.

Born into a well-respected family

To fully grasp the shocking and tragic tale of Blanche Monnier do Marconnay, we need to rewind to 1870s France, a time marked by revolutions and drama.

Blanche, born in 1849, came from a well-respected, conservative bourgeois family
in the French city of Poitiers. The town is a historic place with proud traditions, famous for its Romanesque churches. Both Blanches parents, Charles and Louise Monnier, had deep roots in the society.

A picture of Blanche Monnier, or what is believed to be her / Facebook

Her mother, Madame Louise Monnier, was known for her charitable works, even receiving a community award for her generous contributions. The family’s legacy was strong — Louise’s late husband had been in charge of a local arts faculty, and their son Marcel had become a law school graduate, working as an administrative official.

Marcel held his mother in high regard, while Blanche was a spirited, young woman who yearned to carve out her own path. With her thick, curly hair, big eyes, and vibrant personality, she was the picture of energy and independence, a stark contrast to the more traditional expectations placed on her by her family.

It was these very traits that would ultimately prove to be fatal for young Blanche. But in 1876, no one could have imagined what would happen to the popular socialite.

Vanished without a trace

That year, Blanche Monnier, drew the attention of many potential suitors. Described as “very gentle and good-natured,” she was widely regarded as a charming young woman, with her physical allure making her a sought-after match in society.

Given her family’s esteemed status, she was often in the public eye, and it seemed only a matter of time before she would find a suitable husband. But one day, she just disappeared.

At the time, Blanche was 26, still attending law school, and living at home — according to later news reports.

After a while, those close to Blanche began to wonder where she had gone. But they all received the same answer from her mother. Louise Monnier told people that her daughter had “gone away” or was traveling. Eventually, so much time had passed that many in the family and Blanche’s friends believed she had moved abroad. Since they never received any clear answers, people stopped asking about her.

No one had any idea that she was actually imprisoned in her own home, living under horrific conditions. It would take 25 years before anyone found her, and when she was finally discovered, an unimaginable story unfolded.

A mysterious note

On May 23, 1901, a mysterious, anonymous letter arrived at the office of the Paris Attorney General.

”Monsieur Attorney General, I have the honor to inform you of an exceptionally serious matter. A woman, a spinster, has been locked away in Madame Monnier’s house, half-starved and living in filth for the past twenty-five years,” the letter read.

When the police arrived at the Monnier villa to investigate, they were met with resistance. According to Crime Wire, Louise Monnier refused to let them in, even peeking her head out the window and ignoring their presence.

They then forced the door open and were hit by an overpowering stench. Heading upstairs, they discovered the source of the odor – a locked attic door, where the smell was the most intense.

After some struggle, the officers opened the door and managed to pry open a window that had been boarded up. Daylight finally filtered into the small room, revealing a grim scene. They forced their way into the attic, breaking down the padlocked door.

There, in the corner of the room, lay Blanche, now in her early 50s, emaciated and skeletal, squinting at the sunlight that barely reached her. Covered in old food, feces, and surrounded by bugs, she weighed barely 55 pounds. The conditions were horrifying, a stark contrast to the young woman she had once been.

One officer later recalled:

”As soon as light entered the room, we noticed, in the back, lying on a bed, her head and body covered by a repulsively filthy blanket, a woman identified as Mademoiselle Blanche Monnier. The unfortunate woman was lying completely naked on a rotten straw mattress. All around her was formed a sort of crust made from excrement, fragments of meat, vegetables, fish, and rotten bread. We also saw oyster shells and bugs running across Mademoiselle Monnier’s bed.”

Message on the filthy walls

According to an article in the New Zealand Times from 1901, during moments of clarity, Blanche had written on the filthy walls surrounding her: ”Shall I ever regain my freedom, or am I to be for ever consigned to this living tomb?”

The terrified woman was wrapped in a blanket and rushed to a hospital in Paris, where doctors initially feared she wouldn’t survive. She was severely malnourished, with matted hair that reached down to her knees.

As Blanche was carried out of the villa, her mother, Madame Monnier, then 75 years old, sat calmly at her desk in a beautiful black-and-white dress. She was immediately arrested and confessed to imprisoning her own daughter.

Reason for the imprisonment

According to Louise’s account, it all began one night in 1876 when Blanche quietly tiptoed up the stairs to her room, trying not to wake her mother and brother. What she didn’t know was that they were already awake and waiting for her upstairs.

Together, they had devised a plan: they would lock Blanche in a small attic room until she agreed to end her relationship with the lawyer she had fallen for. But Blanche was more determined than they anticipated, Louise later told the police. Once she adapted to the pitch-black darkness and realized there was no way out, Blanche decided to wait her mother out. However, Louise was just as stubborn and refused to release her daughter.

So, what was behind this whole ordeal? Why would Louise lock her own daughter away for 25 years? The answer lies in love.

After years of searching for a suitable match, Blanche finally fell for a man. The problem was that he wasn’t rich enough – and he didn’t come from an aristocratic family. He was a lawyer, but practically penniless. Some reports say he was much older than Blanche, while others describe her love as a young barrister with ”brain but no money.”

Blanche knew her mother, Madame Louise Monnier, would never approve of him.

At first, Louise told Blanche she would stay locked in the small attic room until she ended the relationship and agreed to find a more suitable husband. But the days turned into weeks, then months, and eventually years.

Louise Monnier’s last words

Even after Blanche’s beloved passed away in 1885, Louise refused to set her daughter free. The cruel grip of her mother’s control never loosened, and Blanche remained trapped in that tiny, dark room, her heart breaking with each passing day.

Hospital staff noted that despite Blanche’s extreme malnourishment, she was surprisingly lucid. She even expressed her joy at the simple pleasure of breathing fresh air again, calling it “lovely.” In many ways, it was nothing short of a miracle that she had survived at all.

After Blanche’s liberation, the case took another dramatic turn, capturing headlines across the globe. Louise Monnier, after sharing her account with the police, passed away from a heart attack in the prison infirmary one morning.

It had been only 15 days since her arrest, but her body couldn’t take the strain. The truth is, she was widely despised. Reports even described an angry mob gathering outside her home, seemingly seeking revenge.

It’s said that Louise’s last words were about her daughter: “Ah, ma pauvre Blanche,” she sighed.

Marcel Monnier

Blanche’s brother would face charges for aiding his mother in kidnapping and imprisoning his sister.

The trial began on October 7, 1901, and just a few days later, Marcel Monnier was sentenced to 15 months in prison. The courtroom erupted in cheers at the verdict – but that celebration didn’t last long. Marcel appealed the decision, claiming Blanche had never been imprisoned and was free to leave the house if she wished, but she chose not to.

On November 20, 1901, Marcel was acquitted. The court ruled that, despite his education as a lawyer, he lacked the mental capacity to intervene and free his sister. The judges criticized his inaction but noted that, at the time, the penal code didn’t clearly establish a “duty to rescue,” making it impossible to convict him under the law.

Who saved Blanche Monnier?

Over the years, many have wondered who was behind the letter that ultimately led to Blanche’s rescue. Addressed to the city’s public prosecutor, the mysterious note didn’t appear to have been sent through regular mail.

To this day, no one knows who delivered it. Some speculate it may have been written by a former soldier who was involved with one of the family’s maids but felt no loyalty toward the Monnier family. We may never know who wrote the letter, but without it, it’s clear that Blanche would likely have died in her small prison.

Blanche shortly after being discovered in 1901 / Wikipedia Commons

The story of Blanche Monnier, who spent 25 years in isolation, is shrouded in mystery and has been the subject of much speculation. While it’s clear she was confined to a tiny attic for decades, the exact details of her captivity are hard to verify. Early 20th-century newspaper reports were often biased or incomplete, making it difficult to get a clear picture of what truly happened.

What we do know is that Blanche’s ordeal captured widespread attention, particularly after André Gide’s 1930 book, La Séquestrée de Poitiers, which retold her story. Gide, a Nobel Prize-winning author, reportedly changed little of the haunting account except for the names of the main characters.

Blanche Monnier Netflix

As of now, there hasn’t been a feature film made about Blanche Monnier on Netflix or elsewhere. However, there are several documentaries on the topic, and a number of books have been written about her story.

While many questions remain about the details of her story, what’s undeniable is that Blanche’s courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances deserves to be remembered.

We may never fully understand the complexities of her life, but her story is one that continues to captivate and inspire. Don’t forget to share this incredible journey with others — sometimes, these hidden and tragic histories are the most important ones to remember.

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Woman dyes her Great Pyreneese dog bright red so he won’t get stolen

Many dog owners worry about their beloved pets getting stolen. Certain rare and expensive dog breeds can be a serious target for dognapping.

But one woman’s strategy for keeping her dog safe from thieves has generated a lot of buzz and controversy online, with some praising the idea and others questioning the owner’s motives.

Chloe is the owner of a 2-year-old Great Pyreneese dog named Dandy, who has a very unique appearance: he has bright red fur, thanks to pet dye applied by his owner:

@danthebigreddog Damn, Dandy. You’re red!❤️ #clifford #cliffordthebigreddog #bigred #dogsofttiktok #dogmom #dandelion #nostalgia #childrensbooks #funnydog #pawsome ♬ Tasty Carrots by Shou – goalsounds

Her decision to dye Dandy red immediately generated mixed responses on TikTok. Many comments read “poor dog,” wondering if the coloring is healthy, while others have been won over by the dog’s unique looks, comparing him to the character Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Chloe has assured followers that she only uses vegan, pet-safe dye (reportedly Opawz products), and in follow-up videos explained her reasonings for the dog’s dramatic makeover.

@danthebigreddog Reply to @cschubach979 this is for you and anyone else asking why? Because we can! That’s why. 🙂 #cliffordthebigreddog #LevisMusicProject #fyp #cute ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer

She said part of the reason was to “keep him from getting stolen,” as the Great Pyreneese pup is a “rare breed in [her] area.”

Chloe also wrote that Dan seems to enjoy his new shade, as he “loves people and kids” and the red dye apparently makes the dog “more approachable.”

She also said she wanted to “educate others on safe pet dye practices,” and in other videos instructs followers how to dye their own dogs.

Dandy’s TikTok videos — which have amassed 10 million likes and over 318,000 followers on TikTok — have continued to generate debate.

Detractors have questioned Chloe’s intentions, pointing out that the dye would be unlikely to detract would-be dognappers and was just to get attention online.

But supporters have pointed out that Dandy seems to be a happy and well-cared for dog, doesn’t understand what color he is, and that the owner has a right to dye her dog for whatever reason as long as it’s safe and humane.

Dandy’s TikTok, despite its popularity, has been inactive since February. On his Instagram, the most recent post is from July — and it shows Dandy back to his natural fur color, with the dye faded:

Chloe wrote that he “needs a touch up,” and said that he would be “red soon,” and it’s unclear what color Dandy is currently.

But a notable number of the comments urged her not to re-dye the dog, preferring Dandy in his “true colors.”

What do you think of this decision to dye Dandy bright red? Is it a fun way to keep the dog safe from kidnappers, or unnecessary and poor treatment?

Please share this story, and be sure to comment with your thoughts.

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Donald Trump’s ‘unfireable’ aide earns new, cruel nickname

Have you ever heard of Natalie Harp?

She may not be the most well-known figure in Donald Trump’s inner circle, but her influence is undeniable.

In fact, she’s considered so indispensable that she’s been dubbed “unfireable”.

Who is Natalie Harp?

According to some, there are several successful strategies for getting close to Donald Trump and landing a job with him, writes The Guardian. One of them? Be young, blonde, and so obsessed with the president that even the Secret Service finds it a little weird.

That strategy certainly seems to have paid off for Natalie Harp, a former far-right cable host who is now an official aide to Trump.

So, who exactly is Natalie Harp, the woman who appears to be getting closer and closer to the POTUS?

What we do know is that she was born in 1991, which means she is 33-34 years old. Harp comes from a conservative Christian family in California.

Her father is an estate agent who founded a marketing and branding consultancy for travel companies and was the head of an ”office of innovation” at a private Christian university.

From 2009 to 2012, Natalie studied at Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. In 2015, she graduated with an MBA from Liberty University, an evangelical college in Virginia.

With Trump on his daily golf outings

In 2019 Harp, a bone cancer survivor, stated in an interview with Fox News that Trump’s ”Right to Try” law had saved her from dying from the disease.

She later joined his presidential campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention, comparing Trump to George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life, saying, “Without you, I’d have died waiting for [experimental drugs] to be approved.”

Her claims were questioned by experts, including former FDA official Peter Lurie and health sciences professor Jeremy Snyder, who noted that she had received an FDA-approved immunotherapy drug for an unapproved use — something that was already allowed before Right to Try.

After the election, Harp became an anchor for One America News Network, a far-right, pro-Trump cable channel known for spreading conspiracy theories. She repeatedly promoted Trump’s false claim that the election had been stolen.

In 2022, she left the network to join his communications team. The Washington Post reported that she often accompanied Trump on his daily golf outings, riding in a golf cart equipped with a laptop and printer to show him favorable news articles and online posts.

Harp later joined Trump’s 2024 campaign. The Bulwark reported that she was responsible for posting a controversial video referencing a “unified Reich” on his Truth Social account, which was deleted hours later. She also posted messages on his behalf and sent heated texts in his name to a major campaign donor, complaining about those running her super PAC. At the time, the group was spending millions on Trump’s campaign ads across key states.

Natalie Harp nickname

Natalie Harp has earned the nickname “Human Printer” due to her role in printing out news clips for the president, often following Trump around with a portable printer and battery pack — even sometimes running after him on the golf course — to hand him hard copies of flattering coverage.

According to The Times, which interviewed several anonymous sources, Harp’s primary role was to deliver unchallenged, highly favorable news about Trump, much of which comes from Gateway Pundit, a far-right site known for spreading conspiracy theories and false information.

In his upcoming book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power, Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt details how Harp managed to insert herself into Trump’s inner circle. At times, she crossed boundaries she shouldn’t have, as revealed in excerpts shared by Daily Mail.

“Harp didn’t do well with boundaries,” Isenstadt wrote.

“There was the time when a surprised Melania Trump stumbled upon Harp late at night in Trump’s private quarters at Mar-a-Lago, an area that was typically off-limits to those outside Trump’s family.”

“Harp was there to deliver Trump some documents and didn’t want to wait until the morning to give them to him,” Isenstadt explained.

And in excerpts from Michael Wolff’s new book on Trump, the ”Natalie situation” once escalated to the point where Secret Service agents considered her ”a potential danger to herself as well as to the president.”

In another eyebrow-raising display, Isenstadt wrote that Harp wandered into Trump’s unoccupied bedroom when on board “Trump Force One” when the plane was being used as a decoy.

New nickname

One can have different opinions about calling Natalie a ”walking printer” – some think it’s a bit harsh, while others see it as an innocent remark relating to her dedication.

However, it seems that Natalie has now earned a new, somewhat harsher label: Harp’s devotion during the campaign led to her being called ”Fatal Attraction,” with rivals comparing her to Glenn Close’s psychotic character, Alex Forrest.

”Before long, Trump advisers jokingly began to compare Harp to Alex Forrest, the character played by Glenn Close in the 1987 movie Fatal Attraction,” Isenstadt writes in his book.

”Forrest had become obsessed with a married man and, in the film’s most memorable scene, broke into his house and boiled the family’s pet rabbit,” he added.

While sources characterized Harp as the campaign’s biggest ”migraine,” her behavior didn’t spook Trump, who brought her from Florida to the White House.

”Harp was his Girl Friday,” Isenstadt wrote.

”If Trump wanted to publish a flame-throwing post on Truth Social? Natalie was there to send it through. If he wanted to read a fawning but factually dicey story in a Trump-aligned media outlet? Natalie was there to print it out. If Trump wanted to send some random news article to a Republican member of Congress? Natalie was there to text it to them,” the author continued.

”As much as those in the senior ranks wanted Natalie gone, they knew she was unfireable,” he said.

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Why you should be eating chicken gizzards

Chicken gizzards might just be the best-kept secret in the food world.

They’re packed with nutrients, insanely affordable, and ridiculously delicious when prepared right. Yet, so many people ignore them just because they fall under the category of “offal”—a term that unfairly makes them sound unappetizing.

If you’ve never given chicken gizzards a shot, you’re missing out on a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can fuel your body without draining your wallet. Let’s dive into why these underrated gems deserve a permanent spot on your plate.

What Even Is a Chicken Gizzard?

Think of the gizzard as the bird’s natural food processor. Birds don’t have teeth, so instead of chewing, their food moves through the crop (a storage pouch) and then into the gizzard, which acts as a super-strong grinder. Thanks to its thick, muscular walls, it pulverizes seeds and grains, making digestion possible.

The result? A lean, flavorful cut of meat with a dense, chewy texture that becomes incredibly tender when cooked the right way.

Why You Should Eat Chicken Gizzards

1. They’re a Protein Powerhouse

Gizzards are loaded with protein—around 20 grams per 3-ounce serving. Whether you’re a gym rat, an athlete, or just trying to build muscle, they’re a fantastic (and cheap!) protein source.

2. Low in Fat, High in Gains

Unlike some other meats, chicken gizzards are super lean, containing less than 3 grams of fat per serving. This makes them a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake or aiming for a heart-healthy diet.

3. Packed With Essential Vitamins

Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function, red blood cell production, and energy levels.
Niacin: Boosts metabolism, improves skin health, and supports heart health.
Choline: Crucial for brain health, liver function, and fetal development during pregnancy.

4. Rich in Iron and Minerals

Iron helps prevent anemia and keeps your energy levels up, while selenium and zinc support your immune system and promote healing. If you’re prone to iron deficiency, gizzards can be a game-changer. Gizzards are also a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and manganese.

5. They’re Crazy Cheap

In a world where meat prices are skyrocketing, chicken gizzards remain one of the most budget-friendly protein sources out there. You can often grab a pound for just a few bucks—making them perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing nutrition.

How to Cook Chicken Gizzards (Without Screwing Them Up)

If you’ve never cooked gizzards before, don’t worry. They’re incredibly versatile, and with the right technique, they turn out chef’s kiss delicious.

1. Boil & Stew for Ultimate Tenderness

Gizzards can be tough, but a slow simmer makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender. Boil them for 30-45 minutes with salt, garlic, and spices, then toss them into soups or stews.

2. Deep-Fry for Crispy Goodness

Want something crunchy? Coat gizzards in seasoned flour, fry until golden brown, and dip them in your favorite sauce. They’re basically the ultimate bar snack.

3. Sauté or Stir-Fry for Quick & Easy Flavor

Slice boiled gizzards and toss them in a hot pan with onions, bell peppers, and spices. The result? A high-protein stir-fry that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

4. Grill for Smoky Perfection

Marinate gizzards in soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then grill them to smoky, charred perfection. Serve with grilled veggies or a dipping sauce.

5. Slow-Cook for Fall-Apart Tenderness

Throw gizzards in a slow cooker with broth, herbs, and veggies, and let them do their thing for a few hours. The longer they cook, the softer they get.

Must-Try Gizzard Recipes

Gizzard Adobo: A Filipino favorite—simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a tangy, savory dish.
Spicy Stir-Fried Gizzards: Tossed in chili sauce with veggies for a kick of heat.
Gizzard Soup: A hearty, comforting broth loaded with tender gizzards and root vegetables.
Gizzard Tacos: Crispy, spicy gizzards stuffed in warm tortillas with salsa and lime.
Gizzard Salad: A protein-packed salad with greens, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.

The Only Drawback? The Texture (But You Can Fix That!)

Not gonna lie—if you’re new to gizzards, the chewy texture might take some getting used to. But if you cook them properly (boil first, then crisp up or stew), they become tender and juicy.

Also, like with anything, moderation is key. Gizzards contain cholesterol, so if you’re on a strict low-cholesterol diet, you might want to enjoy them in moderation.

Are There Any Risks?

Few studies have been conducted on gizzards in particular. As Medical News Today notes, some organ meats are high in saturated fat. If your cholesterol levels are above normal, enjoy these foods in moderation. Gizzards, though, have ‌less than one gram of saturated fat per serving‌, so they’re unlikely to affect blood cholesterol levels or cardiovascular health.

Researchers also point out that ‌organ meats contain purines‌ and should be avoided by people with gout. These organic compounds raise uric acid levels and may trigger gout attacks.

If you think you’re eating too much chicken, including gizzards, consider switching to ‌organic brands.‌ Farmers often use antibiotics to prevent disease in chickens. A diet rich in poultry may promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which claim more than 23,000 lives in the United States each year, according to The Guardian. The only way to mitigate these risks is to go organic.

Bottom Line: Give Gizzards a Chance!

If you’re looking for a high-protein, nutrient-dense, and super affordable meat option, organic chicken gizzards are the way to go. They’re easy to cook, incredibly versatile, and way too underrated.

Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a pack and try one of these cooking methods. You might just discover your new favorite budget-friendly protein!

Would you try chicken gizzards? Let us know in the comments!