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In a shocking revelation from the world of family vlogging, Ruby Franke, once a beloved YouTuber, has been convicted of severe child abuse, leading to a chilling docuseries titled Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. This documentary, set to premiere on February 27, 2025, reveals unsettling truths about the Franke family's life behind the camera, showcasing allegations of brutality and manipulation that starkly contrast the wholesome image the family portrayed online.
Shari Franke, Ruby’s eldest daughter, opens up about her brother Chad’s harrowing experiences, including a disturbing incident where they had to clean blood off the walls after he was allegedly beaten by Ruby. These revelations are not only heart-wrenching but also highlight a troubling narrative of familial abuse that had been obscured from their followers.
As the world tuned into the Franke family's channel, 8 Passengers, concerns began to rise in 2020 regarding their strict parenting methods. Viewers expressed unease over Ruby and her husband Kevin's disciplinary tactics, which included taking away essential needs as a form of punishment. Initially dismissing these concerns, Ruby and Kevin asserted that their children were safe and that the videos depicting harsh punishments were merely taken out of context.
However, over time, the facade began to crumble. In 2018, Ruby formed a partnership with Jodi Hildebrandt, a former sex therapist, leading to shifts in her parenting style that ultimately became more extreme and alarming. Ruby disowned Shari, sidelining her in favor of the more controlling relationship with Jodi. This left Shari increasingly concerned for the well-being of her siblings still living under Ruby's roof.
Despite Shari's attempts to seek help for her siblings by calling child services, no action seemed to take place until August 2023, when things took a dramatic turn. After a traumatic escape, a malnourished 12-year-old brother sought assistance from a neighbor, leading to the police's discovery of shocking conditions inside Ruby’s home. The authorities found children who were emaciated, evidencing severe neglect and abuse, which ultimately resulted in the arrests of Ruby and Jodi.
In the Hulu docuseries, Kevin Franke, Ruby's husband, reflects on his own complicity during this period. He admits to feeling guilt and confusion, struggling to comprehend the extent of Ruby’s actions, while simultaneously dealing with his own emotions around her behavior. The show captures the moment of realization that Ruby's once-cherished domestic life was a facade masking horrific realities.
Moreover, Shari’s narrative extends into her recent memoir, where she details the evolving punishments her family endured, painting a picture of extreme deprivation and manipulation, including being made to stand in the sun for prolonged periods and being physically restrained. The chilling documentation of the abuse, found by investigators, highlighted Ruby’s delusions, wherein she believed her children were possessed and acted under the influence of evil spirits.
As the Franke family grapples with the aftermath of these revelations, Shari has emerged as a vocal critic of family vlogging, advocating for the protection of children in the realm of social media. Meanwhile, Chad continues to navigate his path as an influencer in the aftermath of the trauma, striving to reshape his narrative beyond the shadows of his family's dark history.
The profound implications of Ruby Franke's case extend beyond mere headlines; they foster a critical dialogue around the ethics of family vlogging, child protection, and the responsibilities of content creators toward their young ones. As viewers, we must reflect on the content we consume and the potential consequences it may have on the lives of those depicted.
As this story unfolds, it remains a sobering reminder of the potential dangers underlying the glimmering facade of family entertainment on social media platforms. The impact of such cases resonates far beyond the immediate family, prompting societal questions on accountability and the safeguarding of children in the digital age.
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