Ruby Franke's Family Speaks Out in Hulu's Devil in the Family Docuseries

Image credits: Courtesy of Hulu

The recent release of Hulu's docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, has shed light on the disturbing reality behind the online persona of YouTube personality Ruby Franke. The three-part series features interviews with Ruby's family members, including her husband Kevin and their children, Shari and Chad, who share their experiences with the child abuse they suffered at the hands of Ruby and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

Ruby Franke, a Mormon mother of six, gained a massive following on YouTube with her family vlogging channel, 8 Passengers, which showcased her daily life with her husband and children. However, behind the scenes, the family was experiencing a different reality. Chad, Ruby's oldest son, revealed in the docuseries that he was subjected to physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to sleep on a beanbag chair in the basement for seven months as punishment. Shari, Ruby's oldest daughter, also shared her experiences with the abuse, stating that she had to help Chad clean his blood off the walls after one particularly violent incident.

The family's troubles began when they met Jodi Hildebrandt, a therapist who claimed to specialize in treating families with demonic possession. Hildebrandt's unorthodox methods and manipulative behavior eventually led to the family's downfall, with Ruby and Hildebrandt pleading guilty to four counts of child abuse in 2023. The docuseries features exclusive access to the Franke family, their friends and neighbors, and over a thousand hours of unseen footage, providing a deeper understanding of the events that led to Ruby's arrest and conviction.

The case against Ruby and Hildebrandt was built on the testimony of the Franke children, who bravely shared their experiences with the authorities. The investigation revealed a pattern of abuse and neglect, with Ruby and Hildebrandt using physical and emotional manipulation to control the children. The docuseries also explores the role of social media in the case, with Ruby's YouTube channel and online persona playing a significant part in the family's rise to fame and their subsequent downfall.

In the aftermath of Ruby's conviction, her family is working to rebuild and heal. Kevin, Ruby's husband, has filed for divorce and is seeking to move on from the experience. The Franke children are also working to recover from the trauma they experienced, with Chad and Shari speaking out about their experiences in the hopes of raising awareness about child abuse and the importance of seeking help. The docuseries serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior, and the need for support and resources for families affected by child abuse.