For the first time cameras are taking viewers into the complex world of the American gypsy culture via two new series —National Geographic Channel’s American Gypsies (debuting later this summer) and TLC’s My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding (this spring).
Ralph Macchio (Karate Kid) is the executive producer behind American Gypsies, a compelling look at one of Manhattan’s most prominent Gypsy families — the Johns family. Despite the title of their show, the family prefers to be referred to as Roma vs. Gypsies.
“It was difficult to get people to open up on camera because the Roma have been taken advantage of and discriminated against by the gydje (non-Gypsies) for centuries,” said Bobby Johns. However, the 10-part series follows the Johns as they try to preserve their age-old customs while upholding their family’s power in the community and expanding their psychic shops. Viewers will witness the inner workings of the family from secret elder assemblies, arranged marriages at age 18, vicious family feuds (which include dead crows on doorsteps), tarot card readings, an attempt by an exiled Gypsy to be reinstated and more.
In My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, TLC takes viewers on a journey into the lives of America’s Gypsy and Traveller communities revealing the hidden culture and over-the-top weddings that occur. TLC press materials note that there are an estimated “one million Gypsies and Travellers throughout the U.S., but most live in complete secrecy, away from the judgment and discrimination that plague their communities.” TLC will go inside their homes and attend their parties to share what it’s like to be living as a Gypsy in America. The series will feature families from West Virginia, Georgia and Maryland, specifically:
• 23-year-old Bill, who is preparing to marry 18-year-old Tamara, who is a non-Gypsy and struggles to become accepted by the local community.
• Nettie and JR married in secret when they were teenagers, and now want to celebrate with their families in a wedding renewal — thrown the traditional, extravagant way.
• At 14, it’s time for Priscilla to start looking for a future husband. Her father plans a big party to bring together the available Gypsy men to see if she can find her true love.
• Chris and Amanda are planning lavish baptism celebrations for four of their children. They must all look their best, and they commission a Swarvoski crystal-crusted pacifier.
Why don’t you just gather a court against tham or something this is crazy what you are doing you think what you’re doing Will hurt them maybe but maybe it will hurt others who don’t deserve it maybe it well even hurt you or me or someone you love so please stop this and be a man I am not telling you not to do something about this but not this this is wrong!!! For all
To the gypsy with the negative comments stop pretending like think these guys are going to expose the gypsies because in fact what are you doing right now and what do we really know about their TV series and what they’re doing we don’t but we know what you’re doing not right now is wrong if you have a problem with these people or if you are jealous on them take the problem to them this is not the place for it you are just creating negativity for the rest of our people or are you a scared of them or maybe this is just a platform for you to become someone well if that’s the case you are still no one because you are anonymous and if I knew who you were I would blackball you so fast your head would spin oh and if these guys are doing so bad why I did not blackballed seems to me you’re just a jealous person bent on revenge but are too scared to face them yourself
Hello there everyone
From what I read on the website this is American Gypsy family problems and struggles just like the rest of us and are trying to a simulated against the powers that be I know this is going to be a very interesting series I just hope it sticks to the culture and the beliefs of gypsies and doesn’t become some kind of drama series like the Jersey shore or something like that bigfat American Gypsy wedding I’m not sure if they are really gypsies on that series that that’s not my experience with the gypsies they don’t let their children dress or act that way and they are very protective of there Daughters although I don’t think all gypsies are the same just like all Italians or Greeks are not the same I Ithink this series will go along way with helping to gypsies to be more accepted and for the gypsies to be more accepting and to open up to rest of the world
I watched about 10 minutes of Jersey Shore when it first came out and I thought it was so stupid I had to turn it off! It’s finally been cancelled, thank God!
I’m sure you can find some bad in the Gypsy culture but then again you can also find some good and isn’t that the same what every culture I mean if all we ever do is discriminates against other people what good will that ever do I for us as a people we need to show a little more compassion for these people after all they were murdered in the Holocaust yes I bet you didn’t know that these people have been persecuted and are the most persecuted race in the world today I think if we give them a chance they can accomplish the most wonderful things there is so much to learn from them and about them
Even though I know some of the Gypsy people I’ve still not experienced lots of the Gypsy culture for instance Gypsy court I’ve never seen this although I’ve heard of it I am sure none of the non-Gypsy people have ever experienced a Gypsy court or real Gypsy wedding or even to know there believes I’m sure this TV series well even educate me someone who is familiar with the Gypsies Although you can never change the stereotype that is placed upon certain cultures this should go a long way in helping people understand who the gypsies really are wonderful loving family people
In my experience with the gypsies there are wonderful nomadic people with close knit family ties day been misunderstood for centuries they are for that reason are so secret I can’t wait for the series to air and for the rest of the world to finally meet wonderful Gypsy culture that I have known so well once you get to know the Gypsy people you’ll see they’re not so different than you and I except they love life so much and their music is extraordinary and they’ve inspired so many wonderful artists and musicians over the centuries if you ever get the chance to experience live Gypsy music I know you will be amazed as I was and still am
Clearly you’ve never met a real “gypsy”. If you love us so much, then stop calling us by a racial slur. We’re ROMANI.
Rich old people beware: The Post says “a group of Gypsies” are running around New York! Just ask 95-year-old Alan Russell, who met “Suprena” on the street and eventually gave her $350,000 so she could buy property in Florida.
According to the Post, “a pretty blonde” named Suprena, “who police believe may be linked to a group of Gypsies,” met Russell on the street on the Upper East Side and was soon cooking his meals and keeping him company. And it wasn’t long before she asked him for a lot of money. In the court filing, Russell says:
I had been drawn in by Ms. Suprena Stanley and as a result, I unfortunately trusted her, and in June I got a cashier’s check for $350,000 and gave it to her.”
Wouldn’t you just call that being swindled? But “Suprena” must be a Gypsy because the Post and “police” think that’s a weird name.
GYPSY DUO ARRESTED FOR SCAMMING THE ELDERLY
BSO Case Number: TM03-03-2015 & TM03-03-2173
PIO Number: 03-3-28
Date: March 16 & 17, 2003
Time: 1303 & 1235
Place of Occurrence: 4632 NW 44 Street & 4731 NW 50 Street, Tamarac
Victim(s):
Louis Lisitano, 81, male, 3010 North Course Drive, Pompano Beach
Fritsch Ludwig, 87, 7/18/15, male, 4731 NW 50 Street, Tamarac
Vincent Tatesure, 74, 8/15/28, male, 4632 NW 44 Street, Tamarac
Suspect(s):
Sylvia Johns, 46, 2/7/57, female, 44 East 50 Street, New York, New York
Jamie Johns, 23, 7/23/79, female, 44 East 50 Street, New York, New York
Description of Incident:
Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested a mother and daughter team that has been preying on the kindness of elderly men in Tamarac and Pompano Beach before ripping them off.
Investigators said 46-year-old Sylvia Johns and 23-year-old Jamie Johns are part of a Romanian gypsy group who traveled to south Florida from New York. BSO detectives believe the two women have been living in hotels in north Broward for the past two months, during which time they have stolen cash, wallets, credit cards, jewelry, rare coins, and other items from several victims.
In BSO’s three known cases Jamie Johns approached the victims and engaged them in a friendly conversion. Once inside the victims’ residence, Jamie would offer to perform sexual favors on the elderly men. While removing their pants, she would steal their wallets and make-up an excuse to leave the room with a promise to return. While making her get-a-way, she also got away with the victims’ other possessions.
The first case reported to BSO occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 16th in the 4600 block of NW 44 Street in Tamarac. The next day, the deputy who took the report spotted the suspects’ vehicle, a 2002 black Lincoln Navigator with New York plates near the intersection of Commercial Boulevard and NW 31 Avenue. After conducting the traffic stop, he learned Jamie Johns had an active warrant for a suspended driver’s license.
As Jamie and her mother followed the deputy to BSO’s District 7 (Tamarac) Office, a citizen witnessed Sylvia Johns throwing evidence out of her SUV. Those items were recovered and she was charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence. Sylvia is also charged as a Principle in the 1st degree for the following crimes she helped her daughter commit: Occupied Burglary of a Dwelling, Theft from a Person 65 years or older, and Exploitation of an Elderly Person.
During questioning, Jamie admitted to the March 16th incident, another case on March 17th that also occurred in the Mainlands of Tamarac in the 4700 block of NW 50 Street and another case that took place on March 12th in Pompano Beach in the 3000 block of North Course Drive. Jamie is charged with the Occupied Burglary of a Dwelling, Theft from a Person 65 years or older, Exploitation of an Elderly Person, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Both women are being held without bond.
BSO detectives are hoping to identity other victims. Anyone who believes they have been scammed by Sylvia and Jamie Johns is encouraged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS or contact BSO Dist. 7 Det. Steven Davis at (954) 720-2225. Det. Davis believes in other cases not yet reported, Sylvia and Jamie may have used Sylvia’s 16-month-old granddaughter (Jamie’s niece) as a ploy to gain access to the homes of other victims by telling them the little girl needed to use the restroom. She is now in the custody of the Department of Children & Families. Det. Davis said Sylvia’s husband my have accompanied them on some of the scams by offering to do roofing repairs and other handy work. Hopefully, these cases will serve as a reminder not to open your door to strangers, and to dial 911 instead.
INVESTIGATORS: Dist. 7 Det. S. Davis, CI
THIS REPORT BY: Veda Coleman-Wright/PIO March 19, 2003 1400
Attachments
Photo of stolen ring – Photo of stolen ring
Sylvia Johns – Sylvia Johns
I’m not a gypsy but I’ve spent some time around some of them here in the North East. This is what I got out of it. They are very meticulous about their appearance. It’s like they have to look perfect before they walk out the door, which isn’t a bad thing. I was never worried about being robbed or leaving my purse unattended. I thought they were very nice people and tried to open up to me, but eventually I felt more like a stranger around them. Like I would never get to know them. I was hurt, and almost regreted ever being around them.
I must say I watched this show out of interest in another culture that lives in this country. After reading what has been posted here I am totally confused….. I guess I just don’t understand why the tv stations find it necessary to use the shock factor when just telling the truth would suffice. I was brought up to believe that there is good and bad in all cultures….. We are all Gods children…. I hope this show doesn’t cause more uncomfort and prejudice for these people. I will not watch this trash show again.
These shows only harm the already judged and persecuted Roma people. I have an adopted Roma daughter as well as have some friends who also have adopted Roma children. It is bad enough that they are judged just by the word gypsy but to make matters worse is to add even further injury by making ludicrous shows like this and pass them off as truth when they are total lies and fabrication of people’s lives that aren’t even backed up with actual facts. And so the persecution continues by adding shows like this on tv and pass them off as a documentary. The negative stereotypes are so constant in the media that many Roma have a very difficult time in changing those stereotypes. There are many good, honest, kind, loving Roma and most of them want to live a very quiet and private life but these kind of shows just love to exploit and destroy any positive the Roma have brought to society. I will not subject my daughter to this so called reality show filled with drama and lies and negative stereotyping. And I have already begun to get the word out to my friends and whoever else I know to not watch this un-documentary so called show. I am offended and now must make double sure that my daughter isn’t dragged into this stereotyping because of her Roma ethnicity.
Lmao!!! Rhoma are hiding who they really are in front of guyje (Americans) because of judgement. This show is going to ruin the lives of Rhoma. I’ve met a few guyje who would ask me what nationality I am or what akcent I have and I would tell them that I’m Gypsy. Some gave me dirty looks because they heard stories of Gypsies and how they’re ruthless thieves. Others where interested in knowing more of my culture. I’ve even had people ask me if Gypsies here in U.S dress like the hookers in U.K . This show is not going to give us a look into the lives of Rhoma, maybe those Rhoma or maybe just the Johns. In order to know what the Gypsy life is or holds with its culture or any culture is that you have to experience it yourself. Do I watch “Jersey Shore” and think that all Italians are tan or love to drink and party? No! A lot of Italians think the name “Guido” or “Guidettes” is racist but people don’t know that because they watch a reality show and they believe everything they see.
Well I must admit I am very interested in seeing the show as of the rest of us, just to see what this family has to say about the Rhoma…. Black bird psh :-/ I’ve never heard of a black bird. I’ve heard of “BlackBalled” but not black bird. O_o sounds like we already have a Snookie in this program lmao
I agree! This is stupid because the John’s are hiding who they really are! I was married or so called married in “the gypsy fashion” for 20yrs to a gypsy guy and I have four kids with him! I left him because of the beatings I got from him and his family! I lived in NY and know these people their putting on a show and hiding the truth!
Hahah They should all be Black Balled. And the people on that disgusting “Gypsy” Wedding show, too. Don’t feed the gadje; e puyuria love this khul. I hate these shows. Si mahrime.
and to the national geografic you got balls-the next thing you will be calling the blacks the n word.how dare you calling us gypsys we are roma people but you will find this out in a suit,to which is in prosses. did you ever hear of prejudice is that why this is going on or is it more.we are a minarity people romany as as in romany rights and recond.you need to have your attys screen your films before they air,be carefull of what you are about air.
the funny part is that the john family just opened a can -no let me refraze that a 55 gallon drum of woapass against themselfs and they dont even know it .didnt they think that the gypsy task force,fbi doj irs just a few and more so whoever gos to palm reading scams ,com….hippercrits is what they are and this they are about to learn,oh how powerfull they are L O L from mike dallas
As a gypsy from NYC I know the johns and they are not the prominent family they claim to be but in fact are one of the most lowest form of gypsies. Robert & Tina johns are known drug addicts. Tina johns did time in Boston for theft by deception and is part of a criminal enterprise that pray on the elderly Robert johns jr wife suprena stanley was arrested in NYC on June 2010 for what they call the sweet hart scam scamming 95 year old Alan Russell from the upper east side for $350,000 .she is not in there show. Sandra cooter anderson who was all so arrested for the same scam in Philly is playing the part of Robert johns jr wife . she in fact is married to sonny stanley aka Mandingo who also did time for robbing older people in there home. Sonny & suprena are brother & sister. Sonny & Sandra son Patrick Stanley & his wife Crystal johns was arrested in Philly for the sweet hart scam. I wonder if they will put that on there show. This is the johns family not what they say they are
I agree! I know them too! It’s just been about 15yrs since I seen them but this show does not show any part of the truth! It should be listed as a comedy ! Because non of it tells the truth about the way they really steel money and are like someone said”Scum”!
I must say as a gypsy from New York that the john’s family is not (one of Manhattan’s most prominent Gypsy families) they portray themselves as so for the show. If you look into their true back round u will find the truth about them. They are even lying about who they are married to. There real wives refuse to partake in this show for fear that they will have legal problems from past crimes that they committed. If you look into the past crimes of their mother Tina John. Also that is an alias you will find out the truth about her. She’s been arrested on many occasions for the sweetheart swindle con and theft by deception in NY and MA. Criminals like these should not be portrayed to the world as the way gypsys live. It is an insult to all gypsy people to have them be the voice of an entire race. They don’t even let there children go to school so they have no knowledge that are being sold as black market slaves. Most of the time the children are under age and given to older men. Is that not statutory rape? I am disgusted that a show like this can even be put on the air. And that there are companies and sponsors that want to advertise on this show. Most people have to go true a back round check just to lease a home I hope that the producers of the show have the sense to do so before investing so much time in money and save the embarrassment when the truth comes out. I did a simple internet search and found out some shocking things. ( keyword : sweet heart swindle Tina john & Sandra cotter Anderson )
This is true! I got together with a 20yr old and I was 12yrs old! Tell the truth people!
No respectable Romani family goes on TV. Not one! REAL Romani, who have respect and half an ounce of Romaniya would NEVER go on TV. My phure would give anyone from my kumpaniya a bul whopping for getting on television. What scum!
(GARY DAVIDO) YOUR A MORON AND ABVIOSLY YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT PROUD OF THE DUMB ASSES FOR THE LIES THAT THAT THIER PUTTING OUT THERE HOW STUPID ARE YOU TO EVEN THINK ABOUT SUPPORTING THIS DELEMOS BRE ONCALAV KYO NIE UNDA QUE BUL TIE TO LES PE KYO SORO TIE GINDOSAVO CHE SAM GADJE ROMA SAM DELAYA!!!!!!!!
WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS THIS I`M 40 YEARS OLD MY GREAT GRAND FATHERS GREAT FATHERS WAS A GYPSY AND I NEVER HEARD OF NO dead crows on a doorstep I REALLY DONT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU PEOPLE WOULD DO WHAT YOUR DOING BUT GUESS WHAT TO EACH HIS OWN YOU`LL SOON REALIZE WHAT A BIG MISTAKE YOUR MAKING AND AS FOR YOU (GARY DAVIDO)THE COMENTS ON THIS PAGE ARE FOR THE MOST PART LAGITAMITE COMPLANTS THIS IS WRONG NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT THERE DOING ANYTHING TO BETTER THINGS FOR THE ROMA THIS IS NOT ABOUT HATEING THIS ABOUT RITE AND WRONG
Johns are Ludari/Loudad. They’re about as wuzho as a gadjêsko bul.
Pay tumary baxt! sa cheesto deelay, but Jesus & Tina’s family was always’ preekaza to start with!
their kids are just following their footsteps into they’re preekza
You got that right!