New Docuseries Reveals Disturbing Story of Ruby Franke’s Family Abuse

IVINS, Utah — In late August 2023, a 12-year-old boy sought help from a neighbor in Ivins, Utah, asking for a ride to the nearest police station and claiming to be hungry and thirsty.

The boy, later identified as the youngest son of YouTuber Ruby Franke, was discovered to have escaped from a chaotic and abusive environment at the home of Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Authorities were alerted after the neighbor observed that the boy appeared emaciated and had tape around his legs.

When police arrived, they found that the boy and his 10-year-old sister had been held captive and starved at the luxurious residence. Franke, whose family vlog “8 Passengers” once attracted millions, was arrested shortly after the boy’s escape, facing multiple charges related to child abuse. Hildebrandt was also arrested as part of the investigation.

A new three-part Hulu docuseries titled “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” premiering Feb. 27, aims to shed light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding both women’s arrests. Directed by Olly Lambert, the series marks the first occasion where Franke’s eldest children, Shari and Chad, provide candid accounts of their traumatic experiences.

“Ruby’s sole ambition was to be seen as the perfect mom,” Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged husband, recounts in the series. He emphasizes Ruby’s fixation on public perception, which ultimately led to her decision to create a family vlog.

Franke’s YouTube channel, which began in 2015, became a family staple, boasting approximately 2.5 million subscribers by June 2020. However, the channel faced backlash due to Ruby’s controversial parenting tactics, including punishing her children in severe ways that triggered public outcry.

The docuseries reveals deeper insights into Ruby’s rise and fall, featuring interviews with law enforcement officials and former neighbors who observed alarming behaviors. It scrutinizes the influence Hildebrandt had on Ruby and her family, particularly as their relationship grew increasingly concerning.

Hildebrandt, who ran a parenting advice business, moved in with the Frankes in August 2021. Throughout this period, Ruby and Jodi became convinced that their children were possessed, leading to more severe and abusive disciplinary measures.

Shari recounted moments that reflected the disturbing dynamic, including finding her mother’s bedroom filled with massage oils and candles, suggestive of an uncomfortable closeness with Hildebrandt.

As the situation escalated, authorities were alerted multiple times about the welfare of the Franke children, who were often left alone while Ruby spent significant time with Hildebrandt. Despite a Change.org petition garnering over 18,000 signatures calling for a welfare check, law enforcement was unable to intervene without visible evidence of abuse.

Upon Franke’s arrest, disturbing evidence was uncovered, including restraints, a handwritten journal detailing Ruby’s methods to “exorcise” her children, and testimonies from her son about the physical abuse they endured.

Both Ruby and Hildebrandt eventually pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. In a public apology, Ruby placed blame for her actions on Hildebrandt, stating she had been manipulated into harmful choices against her children.

Since their actions came to light, the two youngest Franke children have been placed in protective custody, receiving medical and psychological care. Chad Franke has since pursued a career in real estate, while Shari published a memoir titled “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom,” which became a bestseller and advocates against the family vlogging culture.

Kevin Franke has filed for divorce from Ruby, expressing regret over their family’s involvement in social media, asking for legislative changes to protect children online. “Vlogging my family was wrong, and I regret it every day,” Kevin stated.

The shocking revelations detailed in the docuseries highlight the broader implications of social media fame on family dynamics and child welfare. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt did not respond to requests for comments regarding the new allegations presented in the documentary.