Ruby Franke, Utah YouTuber, arrested on abuse charges: Unveiling the dark side of online fame

Ruby Franke, Utah Family YouTuber, Arrested on Abuse Charges

Background

Ruby Franke, the mother behind the now-defunct family YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” has been arrested on child abuse charges. Franke, known for her strict parenting style, and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were both taken into custody after authorities discovered a malnourished child with open wounds and duct tape on their extremities. The Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department responded to a report of a juvenile in need of help, leading them to the home where they found another child in a similar condition. Four minors were subsequently taken into the care of the Department of Child and Family Services.

Franke rose to prominence in 2015 through the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, which featured her husband and six children. The channel amassed nearly 2.3 million subscribers before it was taken down earlier this year for reasons that remain unclear. However, the couple’s strict parenting style had drawn criticism in the past, leading some viewers to report them to authorities.

Criticism and Controversies

The Frankes’ parenting methods have faced scrutiny, with some viewers expressing concern over their approach. In June 2020, local child protective services were called after their son, Chad, revealed in a video that he had been sleeping on a beanbag for several months. Ruby Franke defended the arrangement, stating it was Chad’s choice after he was removed from his shared room due to behavioral issues. Additionally, Franke faced backlash for a video in which she refused to provide lunch for her 6-year-old child who had forgotten to pack food and threatened to dispose of her children’s prized possessions.

Furthermore, ConneXions, the life counseling service co-created by Franke and Hildebrandt, has been criticized in the past for its teachings on parenting. The organization’s focus on their “principles of truth” over a person’s children has raised concerns among some viewers.

Community Response

Ruby Franke’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, who previously revealed she was not in contact with her immediate family, posted about her mother’s arrest on her Instagram Story. She expressed relief that justice was being served and acknowledged that she and her family had been attempting to bring attention to the situation for years. Shari requested her followers to share any questionable or concerning videos related to ConneXions or 8 Passengers, highlighting a potential opportunity for further investigation into the matter.

Additionally, three women claiming to be Ruby Franke’s sisters and fellow family influencers, Elle Mechem, Julie Griffiths Deru, and Bonnie Hoellein, shared a joint Instagram post stating that her arrest was necessary. They revealed their efforts in ensuring the safety of the children, emphasizing their silence for the sake of the family.

Legal Implications

In Utah, aggravated child abuse is defined as an act that causes serious physical injury to a child or permits another person to inflict such injury upon a child. The charges brought against Franke and Hildebrandt likely fall within this legal framework.

Editorial and Advice

The case involving Ruby Franke is troubling and highlights the potential dangers of fame and online notoriety. The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of influencers and the influence they have over their followers. It is crucial to recognize that public figures, whether online or offline, have a moral obligation to prioritize the well-being and safety of their children.

Parents should strive to create nurturing and healthy environments for their children, and strict parenting styles should never cross the line into abuse. It is essential for individuals to understand the distinction between discipline and harm, and seek appropriate guidance when navigating the challenges of parenthood.

As viewers and consumers of online content, we must remain vigilant and report any concerns we may have regarding the welfare of children portrayed on social media platforms. Child protective services exist to intervene and ensure the safety of minors who may be at risk.

Ultimately, incidents like this serve as a reminder that fame and popularity should never overshadow the well-being and happiness of our most vulnerable and precious members of society – our children.