Introduction
Ruby Franke Kids, once a popular YouTuber and family vlogger, gained fame through her now-defunct channel “8 Passengers.” The channel primarily showcased the lives of Ruby, her husband Kevin Franke, and their six children—Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. However, in recent years, Ruby Franke has been at the center of controversy due to her strict parenting style, legal troubles, and allegations of child abuse.
This article will provide an in-depth look at Ruby Franke Kids, their upbringing, the controversies surrounding them, and where they are now. Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the topic.
The Rise of “8 Passengers”
Ruby Franke Kids started “8 Passengers” in 2015 as a way to document her family’s daily life. The channel quickly grew, amassing over 2.5 million subscribers. Many viewers were drawn to the wholesome, structured approach to parenting that Ruby and her husband portrayed. The videos covered topics such as homeschooling, family vacations, parenting tips, and the everyday life of the Franke children.
Who Are Ruby Franke Kids?
- Shari Franke – The eldest daughter, born in 2003, was active on social media and later distanced herself from the family.
- Chad Franke – Born in 2005, Chad faced some of the most controversial punishments on the channel.
- Abby Franke – Born in 2007, Abby was quieter but still frequently featured in vlogs.
- Julie Franke – Born in 2009, Julie was also a prominent figure on “8 Passengers.”
- Russell Franke – Born in 2011, Russell was often shown in disciplinary moments.
- Eve Franke – Born in 2013, Eve, the youngest, was at the center of some parenting decisions.
Controversial Parenting Methods
As “8 Passengers” grew in popularity, Ruby Franke Kids parenting techniques came under intense scrutiny. Many viewers expressed concern over certain disciplinary actions that seemed extreme.
Notable Incidents
- Withholding Food as Punishment
- Ruby openly admitted to not feeding her then 6-year-old daughter, Eve, after she forgot to pack her lunch for school. Viewers were shocked, sparking widespread criticism.
- Forcing Chad to Sleep on a Beanbag for Seven Months
- Chad Franke revealed in a video that he had been sleeping on a beanbag for months after misbehaving. Critics argued that such punishment was unnecessarily harsh.
- Public Humiliation of Her Children
- Ruby frequently shared personal struggles and mistakes of her children with millions of viewers, raising concerns about privacy and emotional well-being.
- Teaming Up with Jodi Hildebrandt
- Ruby collaborated with controversial therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, who promoted a strict and extreme parenting philosophy. The partnership led to even greater concerns about the children’s welfare.
Legal Troubles and Child Abuse Allegations
In August 2023, authorities arrested Ruby Franke Kids and Jodi Hildebrandt after Ruby’s 12-year-old son, Russell, escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor. The child was found malnourished and had signs of physical abuse. Following investigations, Ruby and Jodi were charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
- Arrest and Charges
- Both Ruby Franke Kids and Jodi Hildebrandt were taken into custody and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse.
- Children Removed from Home
- Utah’s Department of Child and Family Services placed all of Ruby’s minor children under protective custody.
- Court Hearings
- Evidence presented in court revealed years of mistreatment, strict control, and extreme punishments.
- Current Status of the Case
- As of early 2024, Ruby and Jodi remain in legal proceedings, facing significant prison time if convicted.
Where Are Ruby Franke Kids Now?
Since Ruby Franke Kids arrest, her children have been placed in the care of relatives and child protection services. Here’s an update on each of them:
- Shari Franke (20 years old) – Publicly condemned her mother’s actions and has been vocal about the abuse.
- Chad Franke (18 years old) – Distanced himself from the family before the arrest and is focused on rebuilding his life.
- Abby and Julie Franke – Staying with relatives, away from the public eye.
- Russell and Eve Franke – Receiving therapy and care to recover from the trauma they endured.
The Impact of Family Vlogging on Children
The case of Ruby Franke Kids has reignited debates about the ethics of family vlogging. While many parents start channels with good intentions, concerns over privacy, exploitation, and the lasting impact on children’s mental health continue to grow.
Key Issues with Family Vlogging
- Lack of Consent – Children cannot truly consent to being filmed for millions of strangers.
- Financial Exploitation – Many parents profit from content featuring their kids, raising concerns about fair compensation.
- Emotional and Psychological Harm – Publicizing private moments can have long-term effects on a child’s self-esteem and well-being.
Several advocacy groups are now pushing for stronger regulations to protect children in family vlogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are Ruby Franke Kids?
Ruby Franke has six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.
2. Why was Ruby Franke arrested?
Ruby Franke was arrested in August 2023 on multiple counts of child abuse after her son Russell escaped and reported severe neglect and mistreatment.
3. What happened to Ruby Franke’s YouTube channel?
Her channel “8 Passengers” was taken down following the allegations and legal action against her.
4. Where are Ruby Franke Kids now?
The children have been placed in protective custody and are currently living with relatives.
5. What did Ruby Franke do wrong?
She employed extreme disciplinary tactics, including food deprivation, excessive punishments, and emotional abuse, which led to her arrest.
Conclusion
Ruby Franke Kids case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of family vlogging and extreme parenting methods. While she once enjoyed fame and success, her downfall highlights the importance of protecting children from exploitation and abuse. As legal proceedings continue, the world watches closely, hoping for justice and healing for the Franke children.
If you’re interested in responsible parenting and the impact of social media on families, consider following advocacy groups that promote ethical vlogging and child protection policies.