Children of Ruby Franke Sever Ties Post Conviction

In Hulu's impactful docuseries 'Devil in the Family,' which chronicles the downfall of former mommy vlogger Ruby Franke, one of the most intense moments arrives just before the series concludes.

Shari Franke, the eldest of Ruby Franke's children, alongside her younger siblings, became a known face from their appearances on their mother’s famed YouTube channel, '8 Passengers.' Shari, now an adult, participated in the Hulu docuseries with her father Kevin and her brother Chad.

Towards the end of the last episode, Shari contemplates her estranged relationship with her mother while watching old childhood videos featuring herself and Ruby. It's a poignant contrast against the backdrop of their formerly 'ideal' public image now being in shambles.

Ruby Franke: From Vlogger to Convict

Ruby Franke launched her YouTube channel in 2015, but her journey took a dark turn with convictions of child abuse that led to a prison sentence ranging from four to thirty years. Criticism regarding her parenting methods began surfacing as early as 2020.

The severity of Ruby’s crimes came to light in 2023 after one of her younger sons escaped from the residence of Jodi Hildebrandt, a friend and associate of Ruby’s, revealing the cruel treatments he and his sister had endured. Let’s see where Ruby's children stand now, with their mother behind bars.

Younger Franke Children Avoid Public Attention

Despite their past social media presence, Ruby and Kevin Franke's four younger children now remain away from the public eye. Even in the Hulu series, these children's identities were safeguarded through video edits that obscured their faces.

Court documents from Ruby’s legal proceedings referred to these young ones by their initials only. The youngest, Russell and Eve, who were just 12 and 10 during their mother's arrest, suffered the brunt of the physical maltreatment.

Underlying Beliefs and Abuse Revelations

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt justified their punitive actions with the belief that the children were prey to evil influences. The account of this abuse includes severe punishments such as food deprivation, exposure to harsh conditions, and strenuous physical exertions.

At the time of the arrests, the two middle siblings, Abby and Julie, showed no physical harm. Following Ruby’s arrest, the state’s child services took the four youngest into custody, amid allegations from Kevin Franke in the docuseries of coercion to abdicate family ties made by his wife and her co-conspirator.

Kevin's Legal Pursuits and Family Dynamics

In the wake of these events, Kevin Franke has been intent on rebuilding familial bonds, seeking custody of his children post-divorce filings.

While the state temporarily housed the children separately, the ambiguity surrounding Kevin’s guardianship status persists. The department of children’s services remains tight-lipped regarding individual details to uphold the privacy and dignity of all involved.

Chad Franke’s Conflicted Feelings

As the oldest son, Chad has been openly reflective about the family’s online portrayal and the complex reality behind the scenes. Despite the turbulent past, Chad acknowledges a lingering affection for his mother, albeit with recognition of her rightful imprisonment.

Chad described his involvement in the family’s digital content as a role he embraced, gaining individual fame. Kevin, his father, openly admitted to enjoying vicarious thrills through Chad’s online success but acknowledged the financial exploitation that accompanied their YouTube presence.

At adolescence, Chad faced disciplinary issues leading to his expulsion from school, which resulted in Jodi Hildebrandt's intervention. Despite his initial trust in Hildebrandt, Chad realized the grim truth about his upbringing only after facing isolation and his father’s eventual enlightenment.

A New Chapter for Chad

Now working as a real estate agent, Chad has maintained some visibility through social media, sharing snippets of his life with a growing online audience.

Shari Franke's Advocacy Against Family Vlogging

Shari Franke has severed ties with her mother, dedicating efforts to criticize the family vlogging industry. Her testimony at legislative hearings underscores the severe impact of family vlogging, framing her experience as a cautionary tale about publicizing personal life for profit.

Highlighting her distress, Shari has stated a preference for privacy over historical financial gains, a sentiment echoed through her appeals to former fans and the public for increased scrutiny on family vlogs.

Alongside her testimony, Shari released a memoir providing insights into her lived experiences and personal growth amid family turmoil, coinciding with Hulu's series.

Concluding Thoughts

'Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke' is available for streaming on Hulu, offering a comprehensive look into a family’s downward spiral and the repercussions that follow.