Ruby Franke, a former YouTube star and mother of six, has been sentenced to up to 60 years in prison. She abused two of her children in a shocking case that exposed the dark side of social media fame.
Franke is 41, and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt is 45. They pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse in February 2024. This happened after Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s house in August 2023. He revealed the horrific ordeal he and his 9-year-old sister had endured.
The children were severely malnourished and had injuries from being tied up with ropes. They told authorities that they were forced to do strenuous physical tasks outdoors for hours. They were deprived of food and water and isolated from their siblings and parents. Franke and Hildebrandt also physically assaulted them.
Franke ran a popular family channel called ‘8 Passengers‘ with over 2.5 million subscribers. She faced criticism for her parenting methods. These included locking her children in their rooms, shaving her son’s head as punishment, and giving away their belongings without their consent.
However, the public didn’t know the extent of the abuse until the police arrested Franke and Hildebrandt. They claimed to be a life coach and therapist. The police seized their phones and computers. Investigators found evidence of the abuse on the devices. They also found messages between Franke and Hildebrandt. These messages showed their twisted motivation to create a “perfect” family image online.
According to the prosecution, Franke and Hildebrandt were obsessed with controlling the children’s behavior and appearance. They used the abuse to manipulate them into complying with their demands. Also, they exploited the children for financial gain. They made money from the YouTube videos and merchandise that featured the family’s daily life.
The judge described the case as “one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking” he had ever seen. He sentenced Franke to four to 60 years in prison and Hildebrandt to three to 45 years in prison. The exact sentences will be determined by The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
They will base the sentences on their behavior and rehabilitation.
Franke’s four minor children are now aged 10 to 15. They have been placed in the Department of Child and Family Services custody. The children are receiving therapy and medical care. The two eldest children, aged 18 and 20, live independently. They have expressed their support for their younger siblings.
The case has sparked a public outcry. It has also sparked a debate over the exploitation of children on social media platforms. This has led to a call for more regulation and oversight to protect their rights and well-being. It has also highlighted the importance of reporting any signs of suspected child abuse. Finally, it has also highlighted the courage of the 12-year-old boy who escaped and saved himself and his sister from further harm.
