Ruby Franke’s Children Endure Lasting Impact from Family Vlogging
Ruby Franke’s children continue to grapple with the trauma from their past experiences.
Shari Franke Discusses Family Dynamics
On December 14, during an appearance on the “Sunday Sports Club” podcast, Shari Franke, Ruby’s eldest daughter, discussed the effects of their family’s YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” on their relationships. Shari, 22, explained how being childhood content creators affected her bond with her siblings, especially her brother Chad, 20. Ruby, now 43, also has four younger children with her ex-husband, Kevin Franke, who regained custody after her child abuse conviction and their divorce.
“It really starts to affect our family relationships offline as well,” Shari told host Allison Kuch. She noted that the pressure of being in the public eye strained her relationship with Chad, saying, “We joke about it now, but for a while, it was a genuine issue.”
Challenges of Online Misunderstandings
Shari recounted incidents where their relationship was questioned, leading to mistrust. “I had to go to the hospital for something, and people speculated wildly about me and Chad,” she said. “As a 17-year-old, it was awful.”
She emphasized the unseen struggles behind family content, stating, “You never see the footage of parents yelling at kids. People often misconceive that it’s just one crazy family, but the issue lies with family vlogging itself.”
Financial Motivations Behind Family Vlogging
Shari argued that financial incentives often drive family content creators more than sharing memories. “Most say they started to share their family, but if that’s true, they could use a private account. Money becomes a factor, whether admitted or not,” she said.
The 2023 Scandal and Legal Consequences
In 2023, Ruby and her life coach friend Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on multiple counts of aggravated child abuse. The arrests followed an incident where Ruby’s youngest son, then 12, escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help. Authorities found him malnourished with duct tape on his ankles and wrists, similar to his 10-year-old sister.
Both Ruby and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty and received four consecutive prison terms for “physical torture.” They are currently serving their sentences.
Advocacy for Child Influencer Protection
Shari, who had moved out before the scandal, had repeatedly contacted Child Protective Services about her concerns. Now, she is advocating for legislation to protect child influencers.
“I don’t blame the viewers,” Shari stated. “But people should reconsider supporting family content creators. They can control their consumption.”
To report child abuse, refer to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Welfare Information Gateway for state-specific contacts.
