The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke: A Cautionary Tale of Social Media and Family Trauma
Ruby Franke, once a beloved YouTube personality known for sharing her family’s life and offering parenting advice, has seen her world crumble in a dramatic and devastating way. Her journey from online fame to a prison sentence has left her family and millions of followers reeling. Franke’s estranged husband, Kevin Franke, has now come forward in an exclusive interview with ABC News to warn other families about the dangers of social media and the consequences of placing family life in the public eye. Kevin, who filed for divorce from Ruby in 2023, shared his story alongside their eldest son, Chad, in an interview set to air on "Good Morning America." The couple shares six children, and their family’s story is one of tragedy, abuse, and the shattered illusion of a perfect online persona.
The Consequences of Abuse: Ruby Franke’s Downfall
Ruby Franke’s troubles began in August 2023 when her 12-year-old son escaped through a window of her business partner’s home and sought help from a neighbor, pleading for food and water. Authorities subsequently discovered Ruby’s 10-year-old daughter malnourished and allege that Franke was aware of the abuse and neglect. Both Ruby and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December 2023. They were sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison. Franke’s attorneys stated that she accepted responsibility for her actions, acknowledging the harm she caused to her children and family. However, the damage was already done, and the once-admired mother of six is now serving time for her crimes.
A Hulu Series Sheds Light on the Family’s Ordeal
The Franke family’s story is explored in depth in a new Hulu series titled "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," which debuted on February 27, 2024. The series marks the first time Kevin and Chad Franke have spoken publicly about their experiences. Kevin expressed hope that the series would reveal the truth behind the family’s ordeal, which played out both on social media and in the press. "I think what you’ll see is something very, very different than what you thought you knew," he said. The series also features Ruby and Kevin’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, who has accused her mother of abusing her throughout her childhood. Shari, whose memoir "The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom" was published in January 2024, claimed she was cut off from the family when she left for college.
Kevin Franke’s Warning: The Dangers of Social Media
Kevin Franke’s message is clear: he wants to warn other families about the dangers of social media and the risks of putting family life on public display. "I want people to know that there is real danger when you place yourself or your family or children out onto public social media," he told ABC News’ Eva Pilgrim. Franke emphasized the importance of being cautious about who people follow, idolize, and trust. "If you put your trust in the wrong person, it can have massive consequences in your life," he said. His words serve as a stark reminder of the potential fallout when families prioritize online fame over their children’s well-being.
The Family’s Journey to Healing and Accountability
As the Franke family navigates the aftermath of Ruby’s crimes, they are also working to rebuild their lives and find healing. Kevin and their children have taken the courage to share their story, not only to raise awareness about the dangers of social media but also to highlight the importance of accountability. Shari Franke, who has been vocal about her own experiences of abuse, hopes her memoir will help others who have suffered similar traumas. Meanwhile, Kevin and Chad’s interview on "Good Morning America" offers a glimpse into the pain and resilience of a family torn apart by abuse and deception.
A Lesson for All: The Importance of Critical Thinking and Accountability
Ruby Franke’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of misguided trust and the dangers of idolizing public figures, especially those who present a polished online image. It also underscores the need for accountability, both for individuals who abuse their power and for those who enable them. As the Franke family continues to share their story, they hope to inspire others to think critically about the content they consume online and to prioritize the well-being of children above all else. In doing so, they hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
