Podcast Summary: "I Refuse to Be Intimidated" — Murdaugh Housekeeper Responds to Criticism

Podcast: Criminally Obsessed
Host: Ann Emerson
Guest: Blanca Trubbiate Simpson
Date: March 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative journalist Ann Emerson sits down again with Blanca Trubbiate Simpson, the former Murdoch family housekeeper and close friend of Maggie Murdoch. Since Blanco’s bestselling memoir shook up the narrative around the Murdoch case, she has faced both praise and intense public scrutiny. With Alec Murdoch’s appeal looming, Blanca shares her deeply personal journey—from her loyalty to Maggie, to her determination not to be intimidated by critics or those seeking to silence her. The conversation offers rare, behind-the-scenes insight into the house at Moselle, overlooked red flags in the investigation, and the ongoing cost of speaking out.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life After the Spotlight

• Blanca’s Reception:

  • Mostly positive, with overwhelming support for her book and her candor about the Murdochs.
  • Faces some negativity—chooses to ignore comments and people with a "bad vibe."
  • “My objective was and still is to let people know who Maggie was, who the family was when I was around them… not based off of third party or, you know, the weekend warriors, like I want to call them.” (Blanca, 01:47)

• On Rising from Housekeeper to Bestseller:

  • Describes feeling proud and validated after years "ignored" and “coming from being basically nobody.”
  • Staunchly believes dignity does not depend on one’s job title.

2. Her Relationship with Maggie Murdoch

• True Friendship:

  • Maggie offered her protection, trust, and genuine friendship during difficult times.
  • “She truly appreciated me and kept me… I felt like she was almost like keeping me safe. She did in her own way, you know, in her own funny way, I should say.” (Blanca, 04:45)

• Maggie’s Struggles with Community Judgment and Religion (06:33):

  • Maggie was very private about her spiritual side, avoided churches due to fear of gossip and judgment.
  • "I can't... I don't feel that I can go to church and be my true self because I'm afraid..." (Blanca quoting Maggie, 06:37)

3. Defending Buster Murdoch

• Despite not being in contact, Blanca defends Buster against rumor and speculation:
  • “He’s not involved in this… he is a good person… he doesn’t deserve to have these things said about him.” (08:30)
  • Elaborates on the pain she witnessed when the tragedy struck, recounts Buster’s devastation.

4. Testifying and Its Consequences

• She knew her court testimony would cost her relationship with Buster and the family (“I kind of knew when I testified that day… that that relationship was gonna cease,” 09:52), but holds no regrets, wishing Buster “peace and stability.”

5. Red Flags and Issues with the Investigation (10:42–15:05)

• Ann Emerson recaps Blanca’s unique knowledge of the Moselle house and details overlooked in the investigation:

  • Maggie’s car out of place;
  • Pajamas laid out in the laundry room;
  • Missing T-shirts and towels;
  • Wet towel and pants left behind.

• Critique of Investigators:

  • “Power and privilege 101 at its best when it came to this case…” (Blanca, 12:31)
  • Upset that authorities never followed up with her regarding these anomalies.
  • “Common sense should have said, hey, we don’t need to be in here. We need to go. But it didn’t happen.” (Blanca, 15:05)

6. Bullying, Intimidation, and Finding Her Voice

• Being Followed & Harassed:

  • Reveals being tailed, photographed, and harassed—possibly as fallout from the Murdoch case and her continued involvement with a client of Alec’s.
  • “I refuse to be intimidated or, you know, bullied… I am who I am, whether you like it or not.” (Blanca, 16:21)
  • Recalls a disturbing incident where a stranger warned her of being followed in a store. (18:01)

• Commitment to Truth:

  • “Unfortunately, some people don’t like hearing the truth. When you speak the truth, they want to change the narrative… and when you refuse, that’s when the bullying and intimidation [happen].” (19:26)

7. Empowerment and Advocacy

• Blanca’s journey has shifted her from silence to empowerment:
  • “It’s taking me a long time… I think it’s time for me to actually start speaking out more and saying, you know, I have to speak out.” (20:18)
  • Encourages others facing similar intimidation or silencing to also find their voice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dignity in Work:

  • “It doesn’t matter what type of job you do. As long as you do it well, it doesn’t matter.” (Blanca, 03:52)

• On Maggie’s Private Pain:

  • “She said, it kind of makes me feel... empty inside, that I... can’t even feel comfortable going to church without people criticizing me.” (Blanca quoting Maggie, 06:39)

• On Speaking Truth and Facing Pushback:

  • “I refuse to be intimidated or, you know, bullied… I refuse to be bullied simply because I did not go along with a narrative that they wanted me to go through.” (Blanca, 16:21)

• On Remaining Loyal Despite Criticism:

  • “I am a loyal person, and I have integrity. And one thing that I’ve always stood by is that simply because I do not have the education that people around me have does not make me less of a person… I am who I am, and that’s it.” (Blanca, 20:33)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:47] — Blanca on her positive and negative experiences since publishing her book
• [05:56] — The deep friendship and trust between Blanca and Maggie
• [06:33] — Maggie’s struggles with community judgment and faith
• [08:30] — Defending Buster Murdoch from public speculation
• [09:52] — On testifying in court and its effect on her relationship with the Murdoch family
• [10:42] — Questions about investigative red flags; lack of follow-up from authorities
• [14:22] — Detailed list of anomalies Blanca found at the Moselle home after the murders
• [16:21] — Blanca on refusing to be intimidated or silenced
• [18:01] — Story about being followed and harassed
• [19:54] — The continuous challenge of legal fallout and her continued resolve
• [20:33] — Speaking up against being underestimated or marginalized
• [21:15/21:28] — Ann and Blanca on finding and using her voice

Conclusion

This episode provides a rare, unvarnished look at the cost—and necessity—of speaking out against powerful interests. Blanca Trubbiate Simpson’s unwavering loyalty to Maggie Murdoch and her insistence on truth shine through as she recounts the emotional aftermath of the trial and the personal risks she has faced. Listeners come away with a deeper understanding of the Murdoch family’s humanity, the shortcomings of the investigation, and the enduring strength of those once in the shadows.

Stay tuned for part two, where Blanca shares her thoughts on Alec Murdoch’s appeal and further revelations from inside Moselle.