The world of parenting influencers has been rocked by the recent arrest of Ruby Franke, a well-known YouTube personality who ran the now-defunct “8 Passengers” channel. Franke, along with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, was taken into custody on August 30th, 2023, and faces six counts of aggravated child abuse in Ivins, Utah. This shocking turn of events has thrust Franke’s unorthodox parenting methods, documented for years on her popular YouTube channel, into the spotlight.
Resurfaced Videos Spark Outrage and Accusations of Child Abuse
As the legal proceedings against Franke unfold, internet sleuths have unearthed a series of disturbing videos from her past. These videos, uploaded years before her arrest, reveal controversial parenting techniques that have drawn sharp criticism from viewers. Critics allege that these videos depict a clear pattern of child abuse spanning several years.
Franke’s “Tough Love” Approach: Discipline or Abuse?
One particularly unsettling video showcases Franke’s decision to remove her teenage son, Chad’s, bed and make him sleep on a beanbag for seven months. This, according to Franke, was a disciplinary measure in response to a prank gone wrong.
Ruby Franke's Son, Chad, Speaking to the Camera
Image Caption: A screenshot from one of Ruby Franke’s videos, featuring her son, Chad.
In the video, Chad explains he lost his bedroom privileges because of a prank he pulled on his younger brother, Russell. This prank involved convincing Russell they were going to Disneyland in the middle of the night, only to later reveal it was a joke.
“He Needs to Learn a Lesson”: Justification for Extreme Punishment
Franke defended her actions, stating that Chad’s behavior demonstrated an inability to manage himself while sharing a room with his brother. However, the severity of the punishment, particularly its duration, has raised serious concerns about potential psychological harm.
Food Deprivation as a Parenting Tool: Franke’s Shocking Admission
Adding fuel to the fire, another video features Franke recounting an incident where her six-year-old daughter, Eve, forgot her lunch at school. Instead of bringing Eve her lunch, Franke deliberately chose to let her go hungry, hoping it would teach her a lesson about responsibility.
Ruby Franke Talking to the Camera
Image Caption: A screenshot from one of Ruby Franke’s controversial parenting videos.
This incident, along with others depicting Franke withholding food from her children as a form of discipline, sparked outrage among viewers. Critics argue that denying children basic necessities like food is not only cruel but constitutes neglect.
Previous Investigation and Public Backlash
This is not the first time Franke’s parenting methods have attracted negative attention. In 2020, a Change.org petition urging Child Protective Services to investigate the Franke family garnered nearly 18,000 signatures. The petition cited numerous instances of alleged child abuse gleaned from Franke’s videos, but the case was ultimately closed due to insufficient evidence.
Legal Repercussions and Uncertain Future
Currently, both Franke and Hildebrandt are facing serious legal ramifications for their alleged actions. If convicted on all six counts of aggravated child abuse, they could each face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine per charge.
The case against Ruby Franke serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking within the world of online parenting advice. It also highlights the need for critical thinking and careful evaluation of information shared by influencers, particularly when it concerns the well-being of children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby Franke
What is Ruby Franke known for?
Ruby Franke gained notoriety as a parenting influencer on YouTube, running the channel “8 Passengers,” which featured her family life and parenting philosophies.
What are the allegations against Ruby Franke?
Franke, along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, faces six counts of aggravated child abuse. The charges stem from allegations of severe neglect and abuse of children in their care.
What kind of parenting methods did Ruby Franke promote?
Franke advocated for strict parenting methods, often involving harsh punishments, food deprivation, and emotional manipulation.
What is the current status of the case against Ruby Franke?
The case is ongoing, with both Franke and Hildebrandt awaiting trial.
Where can I find more information about the Ruby Franke case?
Reputable news sources are covering the developments in this case. You can find more information by searching for “Ruby Franke” on websites like CNN, BBC, or your preferred news outlet.
What are people saying about Ruby Franke’s parenting methods?
Franke’s parenting methods have been widely condemned as abusive and harmful.
What is the significance of this case for the influencer community?
This case highlights the responsibility influencers have towards their audience, particularly when sharing advice that could potentially impact the well-being of children.
This developing story has left many disturbed and questioning the content they consume online. Stay tuned for further updates as the legal process unfolds.