The recent Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family, has shed new light on the troubling past of YouTuber Ruby Franke, revealing allegations of child abuse before her arrest. The series features unseen footage from Franke’s archives, as well as interviews with her eldest children, Shari and Chad, who bravely opened up about the physical abuse they endured at the hands of their mother.
According to Chad, there were instances where Franke would fly into a rage off-camera, resulting in violent punishments such as spanking and whipping with a belt. Shari recalled feeling helpless as she witnessed her brother being harmed, even helping him clean blood off the walls after a particularly brutal beating.
Ruby Franke and her husband, Kevin Franke, gained fame through their YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, where they documented their family life with their six children. However, the dynamic shifted when Ruby’s friend, Jodi Hildebrandt, entered the picture, leading to the rebranding of their content as Moms of Truth to focus on faith-based material.
In a shocking turn of events, Ruby and Jodi were arrested in 2023 on charges of felony child abuse after Ruby’s youngest son escaped and sought help from a neighbor. The children showed signs of malnourishment and abuse, prompting their rescue and subsequent legal action against their parents.
The documentary outlines the rise to fame of the Franke family and the online backlash that ultimately led to Ruby’s arrest. Shari, Chad, and Kevin shared their individual perspectives on the events, with Shari expressing her belief that her mother was already an abusive parent before meeting Hildebrandt, whose influence exacerbated the situation.
Ruby ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse and admitted to torturing her children. As part of her plea deal, she agreed to serve a prison sentence and testify against Hildebrandt, who also pleaded guilty. The documentary noted that both women declined to comment on the new allegations presented in the series.
Unseen footage from Ruby’s archives revealed early tensions in the family, with Kevin recounting arguments about being constantly filmed and pressured to perform for the camera. The financial success of their YouTube channel further strained their relationships, with Shari likening the family dynamic to a business where Ruby was the CEO and the children were employees.
The revelations from Devil in the Family have sparked a conversation about the dark underbelly of social media fame and the real-world consequences of exploiting family dynamics for public consumption. As the Franke family continues to grapple with the aftermath of their public downfall, the documentary serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of children above all else. The noise surrounding the Franke family has been deafening, with accusations of child abuse and emotional turmoil. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that behind the facade of a happy YouTube family lies a darker reality.
Kevin Franke, the estranged husband of Ruby Franke, spoke out about the changes he observed in their children. He noticed a shift in their behavior, with the kids becoming increasingly unhappy and complaining about everything. Ruby, too, became concerned, describing their demeanor as losing their light.
During a family trip, Kevin reprimanded the kids for their behavior, highlighting the strain their YouTube channel had placed on their lives. The constant pressure to create content and maintain a certain image took a toll on the family dynamic. Both Kevin and Shari, another family member, felt the impact of their lives revolving around YouTube, turning their home into a set rather than a sanctuary.
Chad Franke, Ruby’s son, also shared his experiences of feeling controlled and manipulated by the demands of the channel. The strain on their relationship was evident, with conflicts arising over filming and brand deals. The pressure to perform and meet expectations led to resentment and discord within the family.
As the curtain is pulled back, we see a family struggling to cope with the demands of online fame. Ruby’s behavior towards her children and husband reflects a pattern of control and fear. The emotional toll on the children is apparent, with Chad expressing his longing for the mother figure he once knew.
Shari, now an advocate against family blogging, has cut ties with Ruby, firmly stating that she will never speak to her again. The trauma inflicted on the children is irreversible, and Shari stands by her decision to protect her childhood memories and well-being.
Despite the turmoil and pain, Kevin and Chad both admit to still loving Ruby. The complexity of emotions they feel towards her speaks to the depth of their relationships and the challenges they face in reconciling the past with the present.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting child abuse and seeking help for those in need. The Franke family saga sheds light on the darker side of online fame and the toll it can take on individuals and families.
In conclusion, the Franke family’s journey is a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of fame and the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being above all else. The echoes of their struggles serve as a reminder to seek help and support in times of crisis. a different perspective on the same topic:
Title: The Benefits of Incorporating Mindfulness Practices in Daily Life
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can have numerous benefits for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the moment, without judgment. By focusing on the present moment and being mindful of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. This can lead to a greater sense of calm, clarity, and overall well-being.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is its ability to reduce stress. When we are constantly worrying about the future or ruminating on the past, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones that can have a negative impact on our health. By practicing mindfulness, we can train our minds to focus on the present moment, which can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of relaxation and inner peace.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also help improve our emotional well-being. By being mindful of our thoughts and emotions, we can learn to observe them without getting caught up in them. This can help us develop greater emotional resilience and the ability to respond to challenging situations with more clarity and compassion.
Furthermore, mindfulness has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health. Research has found that mindfulness practices can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. By incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives, we can improve our overall health and well-being.
There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. You can start by setting aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation, where you focus on your breath and bring your attention back to the present moment whenever your mind wanders. You can also practice mindfulness while engaging in everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or even washing dishes, by bringing your full attention to the task at hand.
Overall, incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily life can have numerous benefits for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By being fully present and aware in the moment, you can reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and enhance your overall health and well-being. So why not give mindfulness a try and see the positive impact it can have on your life?
