Ruby Franke, once the star of the popular family vlog 8 Passengers, is now at the center of public outcry following her conviction for aggravated child abuse. The once-beloved YouTuber was arrested alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, after her 12-year-old son narrowly escaped their home, seeking food and water from neighbors. This shocking incident exposed the horrifying conditions under which the Franke children lived.
The tearful story of this family has recently come to light through the tragic and transformative experiences recounted by Ruby's eldest daughter, Shari Franke, and her husband, Kevin Franke. The couple, who was initially supportive of Ruby's social media endeavors, is now confronting the aftermath of Ruby's downfall and the abuse suffered by their children.
For years, the Frankes' YouTube channel showcased what appeared to be a happy family life, garnering over 2 million subscribers at its peak. "For years, the Frankes' YouTube channel had documented a wholesome, happy family life, with 2.5 million subscribers tuning in at its peak," Shari stated. Yet, beneath the façade, serious issues loomed large. The family's struggles became all too apparent when Shari—and her siblings—sought help from authorities.
The eerie turning point came when Ruby's youngest son managed to escape through the window of Hildebrandt's house and ran for help. When authorities arrived, they found him malnourished, with duct tape around his wrists and ankles, as well as serious injuries. Such harrowing conditions painted a stark picture of the reality behind the Frankes' seemingly idyllic video content.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Shari described the chilling environment dictated by her mother, which left lasting emotional scars. "My biggest priority was just making sure the kids were alive," she shared, noting her relentless efforts to alert authorities and the struggles they faced under Ruby's strict rule.
Shari's memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom, lays bare the years of abuse endured by the six Franke children. The memoir highlights instances of Ruby enforcing harsh disciplinary measures and relays disturbing insights about Ruby's beliefs pertaining to parenting: "You cannot put welts on your child’s legs and then lovingly apply gauze and expect healing," Ruby was quoted as saying. This comment encapsulates Ruby's twisted reasoning behind her abusive behaviors.
Kevin Franke, Ruby's husband throughout the family's rise to fame, eventually filed for divorce after discovering the extent of the abuse. He expressed his remorse and concern for the children still left under Ruby's control. Despite his efforts, Ruby's treatment of the children exacerbated after the couple's split, and he witnessed significant changes, including the imposition of even more severe and exploitative practices under the guise of parenting.
Through Shari's recollections, we learn about how the family’s life became distorted by the pressures of vlogging. "I’ve had my voice and agency taken for so long, and now I’m putting my foot down," Shari expressed, underscoring her commitment to find her voice and advocate for the rights of children exploited by the vlogging industry.
The arrest of Ruby and Hildebrandt marked the beginning of the end for their reign of terror. Both pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Subsequently, they were sentenced to up to 30 years behind bars.” The judge noted the severity of the charges; Ruby and Jodi's actions had crossed boundaries of ethical parenting and entered terrifying territory. Ruby's journal entries, which became part of the prosecution's evidence, revealed chilling details about the punishments inflicted upon her children, including prolonged exposure to the sun as punishment and physically abusive tactics disguised as discipline.
Today, Shari continues to share her story publicly, advocating against the damaging practice of family vlogging. She detailed her experiences before Utah lawmakers, describing how vulnerable children are exploited for profit. "There is no such thing as a moral or ethical family vlogger," she asserted, highlighting the risks posed to child influencers who are often viewed as commodities rather than individuals with rights.
The story of Ruby Franke and her children sheds light on the darker side of parenting within the framework of modern society's increasingly popular family vlogging paradigm. It raises serious questions about the ethical responsibilities parents have to their children beyond the camera lens, especially as Shari questions whether Ruby was ever cut out for motherhood.
While Ruby languishes in prison, Shari Franke is determined to reclaim her narrative and spread awareness about familial abuse cloaked in the guise of social media success. What began as a seemingly perfect online presence has unraveled to reveal the harrowing truth about one family’s desperate bid for love and attention—a warning sign for others caught up in the lucrative world of family vlogger content. Shari's fight for justice and her call for accountability could serve as a ripple effect, pushing society to reassess the cost of putting family life on public display.