Ruby Franke, the former YouTube sensation, remains at the center of controversy following the premiere of the new Hulu docuseries titled “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” which brings to light the harrowing details of her child abuse case. Once hailed for her family-focused content on the “8 Passengers” channel, where she shared glimpses of her life with her six children, Franke faced severe backlash after her arrest and subsequent conviction for aggravated child abuse.
Franke, now 43, was sentenced to prison after being convicted of multiple counts of child abuse stemming from serious allegations made against her parenting practices. Her downfall began when her 12-year-old son managed to escape their home, appearing emaciated and bearing wounds. He sought help across the street at a neighbor's residence, leading authorities to discover the dire conditions he and his siblings were enduring.
According to reports from NewsNation, Franke was arrested alongside Jodi Hildebrandt, her business partner and suspected lover, whose association with Franke added layers of complexity to the case. During the docuseries, Franke’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, spoke candidly about her traumatic upbringing, stating, "I helped clean blood off the walls.” This shocking representation starkly contrasts the carefully curated image of the Franke family portrayed on their YouTube channel, which attracted over 2.5 million followers.
Initially launched in 2015, the “8 Passengers” channel captivated audiences with its seemingly wholesome depiction of family life. Yet, as their popularity grew, viewers began to express concern over Franke's authoritarian parenting style, including reports of starvation and unconventional punishments. By 2020, Utah's Division of Child and Family Services investigated the Franke household but found no grounds for intervention at the time. It was not until the alarming escape of one of her children, along with the discovery of other siblings showing signs of abuse at Hildebrandt's home, did law enforcement take decisive action.
Franke's sinister parenting tactics were disclosed during court proceedings, illustrating the severe physical and emotional harm inflicted upon her children, which included confinement, deprivation of food, and derisive treatment. Prosecutors described the environment as “concentration-camp-like,” characterized by extreme neglect and brutality. Along with her partner, Franke was charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse, as evidenced by the harrowing conditions of her children when they were found.
On February 20, 2024, amid mounting public pressure and scrutiny, Franke was sentenced to serve between four and 30 years imprisonment. Her sentence, dictated by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, is contingent upon her behavior and rehabilitation during incarceration. Franke appeared remorseful during her sentencing, stating, “With my deepest regret and sorrow for my family and my children, guilty,” evoking mixed reactions from those familiar with her case.
Hildebrandt, also sentenced under similar circumstances, played a significant role as both Franke's business partner and advocate for her extreme parenting techniques. Their relationship reportedly deepened during their time together, raising concerns about the cult-like dynamics present within their interactions. The pair engaged deeply with the teachings of their faith, which investigators suggested contributed to the justification of their actions. The Washington County Attorney's Office highlighted how “religious extremism” influenced the couple's behavior, leading to horrendous treatment of the children.
Ruby Franke’s case transcends personal tragedy—it has ignited discussions surrounding the broader ethical concerns about family vlogging, child welfare protections, and the effects of social media influence. Lawmakers, including Franke's children, have voiced the need for legislative reforms to protect young online influencers from exploitation and abuse. Shari Franke, now 21, has emerged as a vocal advocate for change, urging the development of stricter regulations on parental rights and child welfare within vlogging settings. Her book, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom," details her life and the detrimental impact of her family’s vlogging culture.
The docuseries offers viewers unprecedented insights, featuring commentary from Shari and her brother Chad Franke, both of whom continue to grapple with the repercussions of their upbringing. Chad, now 20, has turned to life after the ordeal by engaging with his passion for real estate and sharing aspects of his recovery through social media. Meanwhile, the welfare of the younger Franke children remains uncertain; they have been placed under protective custody since their mother’s arrest, and their father, Kevin Franke, is actively working to regain custody and rebuild relationships with them amid the fallout.
Following his wife’s conviction, Kevin Franke filed for divorce and has since stayed largely out of the public eye. He has testified before lawmakers advocating for child protection reforms, sharing his harrowing experience and his struggles to navigate the aftermath of Ruby’s actions. His voice adds yet another layer to the complex story, emphasizing the need for stricter protection for minors represented on social media platforms.
With the release of “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” the influence of social media on family dynamics is under scrutiny. How can we protect children from the dangers posed by constant exposure and vlogging for profit? Franke’s experience serves as not just a cautionary tale but also as impetus for necessary societal reform. Her case has become pivotal, demonstrating how unchecked parental control, especially exacerbated by the pressures of public life, can lead to devastating consequences for children.
Franke continues to serve her sentence at the Utah State Correctional Facility, and the future for her and Hildebrandt remains uncertain as they await the decisions of the Board of Pardons and Parole. Their stories have amplified discussions about the responsibilities of influencers, the safeguarding of children, and the often overlooked rights of minors caught up within the digital age.
Franke’s case will likely remain relevant as discussions around social media oversight and child welfare protections intensify—raising awareness about the ethical boundaries of family content creators and the well-being of their most vulnerable members.