Ruby Franke Docuseries: Uncovering the Dark Truth Behind the YouTuber's Downfall

Image credits: Washington County Attorney's Office via AP

The recent release of the Hulu docuseries "Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" has shed light on the disturbing story of Ruby Franke, a former YouTube family vlogger who was convicted of child abuse in 2023. The series, which features interviews with Franke's husband Kevin and their two eldest children, Shari and Chad, provides a detailed account of the events that led to Franke's downfall. Franke, who had built a massive following on YouTube with her channel "8 Passengers," was known for her strict parenting style and controversial advice videos. However, behind the scenes, Franke's children were suffering from physical and emotional abuse, which was exacerbated by her relationship with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

The docuseries reveals that Hildebrandt, a former sex therapist and founder of the religious social media network ConneXions, had a significant influence on Franke's life and played a major role in the abuse of her children. Hildebrandt's teachings, which emphasized the importance of obedience and spiritual warfare, were used to justify the physical and emotional abuse of Franke's children. The series also features footage of Franke's YouTube videos, which show her yelling at her children and forcing them to participate in filming. The children's discomfort with the constant filming is evident, and they began to express their resentment towards their mother's actions.

The docuseries also explores the events that led to Franke's arrest in 2023, including the escape of her 12-year-old son from Hildebrandt's home, where he had been subjected to physical abuse and malnutrition. The son's bravery in seeking help from a neighbor ultimately led to the discovery of the abuse and the arrest of Franke and Hildebrandt. The series features a list of key events, including:

• August 2023: Franke's 12-year-old son escapes from Hildebrandt's home and seeks help from a neighbor
• August 2023: Franke and Hildebrandt are arrested and charged with six counts of felony child abuse
• December 2023: Franke pleads guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse
• 2023: Franke is sentenced to up to 30 consecutive years in prison

The docuseries has sparked a national conversation about the dangers of child abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. It has also raised questions about the role of social media in enabling and perpetuating abuse, as well as the need for greater awareness and education about the signs of abuse. The series features interviews with experts, including therapists and law enforcement officials, who provide insight into the complexities of the case and the challenges of investigating and prosecuting child abuse cases.

In conclusion, the story of Ruby Franke is a shocking and disturbing reminder of the dangers of child abuse and the importance of protecting vulnerable children. The Hulu docuseries "Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" provides a detailed and nuanced account of the events that led to Franke's downfall, and serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The series is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime stories and the complexities of the human psyche.