A dramatic shift in family dynamics led to the downfall of a once-prominent social media parenting figure and her marriage.

According to Fox News, Kevin Franke, estranged husband of convicted child abuser Ruby Franke, revealed in a new documentary series how his wife transformed from a beloved lifestyle blogger into someone who believed demonic forces influenced their children's misbehavior.

Kevin and his eldest son Chad have broken their silence in "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," offering unprecedented insights into the family's deterioration.

The documentary exposes previously unseen footage showing Ruby's aggressive behavior toward her family members, presenting a stark contrast to her carefully curated social media presence.

Rise and fall of a social media parenting empire

Ruby Franke built a substantial following through her YouTube channel "8Passengers," which documented her family life with Kevin and their six children. The channel amassed over 2.5 million subscribers, becoming the family's primary source of income. Kevin embraced the concept initially, viewing it as a meaningful representation of their family journey together.

Their social media success began to crumble after controversy erupted over Ruby's disciplinary methods. A particularly concerning incident involved her eldest son admitting to sleeping on a bean bag for seven months as punishment. This revelation marked the beginning of public scrutiny into the family's parenting practices.

Following the decline of "8Passengers," Ruby formed a partnership with Jodi Hildebrandt, launching "ConneXions Classrooms." This new venture offered parenting advice and counseling services, with packages ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Disturbing transformation and criminal conviction

Kevin Franke told "Good Morning America" he deeply regrets trusting his wife and Hildebrandt's guidance. He stated:

The bottom line is: I was choosing to trust a licensed professional mental health counselor and my wife, and they gave some terrible counsel. And I have regrets. And I wish I hadn't done those things.

The situation reached its breaking point in August 2023 when authorities arrested Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt. The arrests came after Ruby's son escaped from Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, appearing at a neighbor's house with duct tape on his wrists and ankles, severely malnourished.

Both women later pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. They received sentences ranging from a minimum of 30 years to a maximum of 60 years in prison.

Social media influence and family devastation

Kevin Franke's involvement in his wife's content creation became increasingly demanding. Ruby expected him to perform for the camera, pressuring him to portray the ideal patriarch. Their eldest son Chad revealed that the family dynamic changed significantly once Ruby started generating income from vlogging.

The documentary unveiled troubling footage of Ruby's interactions with her children, including an incident where she demanded that Chad "fake being happy." These unedited clips demonstrated a marked difference from the polished content shared on social media.

Warning signs and community concern

Local neighbors noticed concerning changes in Ruby's online presence, particularly after she launched "Moms of Truth"/ConneXions with Hildebrandt on Facebook. The partnership raised red flags within the community, though intervention came too late to prevent the abuse.

Shari Franke, Ruby's eldest daughter, documented her mother's descent in her memoir, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom." The book reveals disturbing content from ConneXions Classroom episodes, including Ruby's advocacy for harsh physical punishment.

Future implications and lingering emotions

Despite the traumatic events, Kevin expressed complex feelings about his estranged wife. When asked about his continued love for Ruby, he acknowledged:

I don't think I'll ever stop loving her. Does that mean that I want to let her back into my life? Let her back into my kids' lives? Absolutely not.

Kevin now advocates against the dangers of excessive social media exposure, particularly regarding family life. He emphasizes the risks of putting children in the public eye through social platforms, drawing from his family's devastating experience.

The case has sparked crucial discussions about parental social media presence and children's privacy rights. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt's conviction serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked influence and the importance of protecting vulnerable family members from exploitation.

Why this story matters

The Franke case underscores the potential harms of the parenting advice industry when it goes unchecked. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and responsible content consumption, stressing community awareness to prevent similar tragedies.

In sum, the rise and fall of Ruby Franke serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of fame and extreme methods in child-rearing. This story has not only captured media attention but has fundamentally challenged the perceptions of parenting under public scrutiny. We are reminded of the profound impact that parenting decisions can have on the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable.