In recent news, parenting influencer Ruby Franke has been charged with six counts of child abuse, shedding light on the disturbing reality behind the glossy façade of social media. Franke, known for her popular YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” rose to fame by sharing controversial parenting advice to millions of subscribers. However, her authoritarian approach and questionable disciplinary methods have finally caught up with her, resulting in the removal of her children and her arrest by authorities.
The incident that ultimately led to Franke’s downfall unfolded when a 12-year-old boy covered in wounds sought refuge at a neighbor’s house in Utah. He had managed to escape from Franke’s home by climbing out of a window with duct tape still binding his ankles. The boy was severely malnourished and had deep lacerations caused by being tied up with rope. As a result, child protective services intervened and removed five other children from Franke’s custody.
The path to Franke’s arrest was paved with years of controversial parenting practices documented in her YouTube videos. Many moments in these videos raised eyebrows, such as threatening her sons with the loss of dinner privileges and encouraging her six-year-old daughter to go hungry as a means of learning responsibility. Despite the widespread criticism of her methods, Franke’s audience continued to grow, reflecting the anxieties and desperation of parents seeking drastic solutions to behavioral issues.
The incident that brought Franke’s parenting style to the forefront was a seemingly light-hearted discussion with her teenage son, wherein she revealed that he had been deprived of a bedroom for seven months. Instead, he was forced to sleep on a beanbag as punishment for pranking his sibling. This revelation sparked outrage among viewers, leading to a petition for an investigation and the involvement of child protective services. Old clips resurfaced, exposing Franke’s questionable disciplinary measures, and the controversy ultimately led to the demise of the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel.
Despite the setback, Franke remained active on social media, partnering with a counselor to create a new advice channel called ConneXions. However, the channel failed to regain the massive following Franke once enjoyed. Recent posts on their shared Instagram account, Moms of Truth, offer parenting guidance, emphasizing the avoidance of coping strategies such as social media, exercise, and socializing. It is unclear what “reality” or “truth” they are referring to, but the implication is that distractions from these sources should be avoided.
At the end of August, both Franke and her business partner/counselor were arrested after Franke’s malnourished son escaped and sought help. They were subsequently charged with six counts of child abuse. The arrest was met with relief from Franke’s estranged daughter and other family members, who claim to have been raising concerns about the family for years. Franke’s eldest daughter expressed that justice was finally being served.
As the case unfolds, Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, has distanced himself from the abuse allegations, stating that he has had no involvement in them and that he has been living apart from Franke for over a year. The Franke children are now in a safe environment, but their path to recovery will likely be long and challenging.
This shocking case brings to light the dark side of parenting influencers and the potential harm that can arise from following their advice without question. It is a reminder that behind the polished images and seemingly perfect lives portrayed on social media, there can be a hidden reality of abuse and neglect. Parents should be vigilant about the sources they turn to for parenting guidance, ensuring that the advice given aligns with healthy and ethical practices. The fall of Ruby Franke serves as a cautionary tale, urging parents to prioritize the well-being and safety of their children above all else.
