Ruby Franke: The “8 Passengers” Mom Gets Arrested

While TikTok and YouTube are no strangers to producing controversial personalities, this situation is a bit different.

Ruby Franke, known for her deleted parenting vlogs, has faced criticism and accusations of abuse along with her husband, Kevin, from viewers over the years. In response to recent child abuse charges, both Franke and her business partner, Jodi Nan Hildebrandt, have not responded to requests for comments, leaving their legal representation uncertain. Here is an overview of the controversial family influencer as news of their arrests spreads.

The Ruby Franke “8 Passengers” Arrest

Officials arrested Ruby Franke and Jodi Nan Hildebrandt in Ivins, Utah, this week, where they also discovered Ms. Franke’s 10-year-old daughter in a malnourished condition at her partner’s residence. Both women were formally charged with six counts of child abuse on Friday. The BBC has reached out to both individuals for their comments on the situation.

The incident unfolded when Ms. Franke’s 12-year-old son managed to escape from their residence by climbing out of a window. He sought help from a concerned neighbor, requesting food and water. The neighbor immediately contacted authorities, describing the child as emaciated and malnourished, with visible wounds and duct tape on his extremities. Law enforcement arrived and found the boy’s injuries and malnutrition to be severe. He was promptly transported to the hospital due to deep lacerations from being tied up with rope and severe malnourishment.

Child Protection Services’ Involvement in the Ruby Franke “8 Passengers” Arrest

Following this distressing incident, officials obtained a search warrant related to the matter, resulting in the removal of four children from the care of the family and child services, as detailed in the statement.

The Charges Against Ruby Franke – “8 Passengers” Mom

On Friday, Washington County officials in Utah formally charged Ms. Franke and Ms. Hildebrandt. These charges stem from the alleged abuse of two children, involving physical abuse, malnutrition, and severe emotional harm. Each count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. And an additional fine of up to $10,000 (£7,940), according to Washington County officials.

Who Are Ruby Franke and the “8 Passengers”?

Ruby Franke, 41, gained YouTube fame in 2015 through her channel, “8 Passengers”. Ms. Franke used her platform to share parenting advice and her experiences raising six children. The channel amassed over 2 million subscribers before being deactivated earlier this year. Franke faced criticism in the past for her strict parenting methods discussed on the channel. This includes her son’s claim of being punished by sleeping on a bean bag and her description of withholding meals as a disciplinary measure.

Ms. Franke appeared in YouTube videos alongside her business partner, Jodi Nan Hildebrandt, a counselor and life coach. HildeBrant would then post the videos on her channel, ConneXions Classroom. In these videos, they discussed various parenting and mental health topics.

The allegations of child abuse and the history of criticism surrounding their parenting vlogs raise important questions about the responsibilities and consequences associated with online influence. Feel free to comment below with your insights, opinions, or questions on this topic.