The Fall of Ruby Franke: A Family Vlogger’s Dark Secret

The Wholesome Facade and Its Demise

For years, the Franke family captivated millions through their YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," which portrayed a seemingly idyllic family life filled with laughter, love, and unity. Ruby Franke, the matriarch, became a beloved figure in the world of family vlogging, sharing intimate moments from her family’s life. However, this illusion of perfection shattered in August 2023 when Ruby was arrested and later convicted of aggravated child abuse. The shocking revelation sent shockwaves through the online community, leaving fans grappling with the harsh reality behind the scenes of their favorite family vlog.

The Case of Ruby Franke and the Unraveling of Abuse

Ruby Franke’s downfall began when her son escaped from the home of her former business partner and controversial therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, seeking help from a neighbor. The horrifying injuries and signs of malnourishment the child displayed prompted a police investigation, uncovering years of alleged physical and emotional abuse within the Franke household. Hildebrandt, who was also convicted, played a significant role in exacerbating the abuse, according to authorities. Ruby was sentenced to a prison term ranging from 4 to 60 years, marking the end of an era for the once-celebrated family.

The Hulu Docuseries: Unveiling the Trauma

Hulu’s docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, offers a harrowing look into the lives of the Franke children and their traumatic experiences. Through exclusive interviews with Ruby’s husband, Kevin Franke, and her eldest children, Shari and Chad Franke, the series sheds light on theCycle of abuse the family endured behind closed doors. Shari, now 21, has been particularly vocal about her mother’s actions. She alleges that her younger brother was severely beaten and that she was forced to clean his blood from the walls, exposing the brutal reality of their home life. The docuseries provides never-before-seen footage and firsthand accounts, illustrating the extent of the abuse and its long-lasting impact on the family.

Shari Franke’s Journey from Victim to Advocate

Shari Franke, the eldest of Ruby’s six children, has emerged as a powerful voice in the wake of her mother’s conviction. She has become an outspoken advocate against child exploitation in social media, calling for stronger protections for child influencers and stricter laws to safeguard their earnings. In a statement to the Utah State Legislature, Shari argued that there is no such thing as ethical family vlogging, citing the inherent exploitation of children in monetized content. Her advocacy extends to the financial exploitation of child influencers, as only three U.S. states currently require earnings to be set aside for minors.

In addition to her advocacy work, Shari has published a memoir titled The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, detailing her traumatic upbringing and the abuse she endured. The book reflects on the trauma of having her life documented for millions of viewers and serves as a call to action for greater privacy protections for children in the digital age. Shari, who is set to graduate from Brigham Young University with a degree in political science, has also announced her engagement and plans to keep her private life off social media moving forward.

The Franke Siblings: Beyond the Spotlight

Ruby and Kevin Franke’s six children—Shari, Abby, Julie, Eve, Chad, and Russell—grew up under the intense scrutiny of the public eye. Their youngest child, Eve, was just 1 year old when the family launched their YouTube channel in 2015, while Shari, the eldest, was 11. Since Ruby’s conviction, some of the older siblings have spoken publicly about their traumatic childhood. Shari, in particular, has been vocal, describing her upbringing as traumatic and calling for systemic change to protect child influencers. As the Franke family’s story continues to unfold, the world watches with a mix of horror and empathy, questioning the ethical implications of family vlogging and the long-term impact on the children involved.

The Ongoing Impact and Calls for Change

The case of Ruby Franke has sparked a national conversation about the darker side of family vlogging and the exploitation of children for social media fame. Hulu’s docuseries, Devil in the Family, serves as a gripping reminder of the consequences of prioritizing views and profit over the well-being of children. Shari Franke’s advocacy and memoir have further amplified the need for legislative change, urging lawmakers to implement stricter protections for child influencers. As the Franke family’s story continues to captivate and horrify audiences, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the digital age and the importance of safeguarding the rights and privacy of children.