A family counselor named Jodie Hildebrandt, who was acquainted with the popular vlogger Ruby Franke, ended up participating in the abuse inflicted upon Franke’s children instead of providing the support they needed. The two met through their shared Mormon church community, with Hildebrandt, aged 56, being known for her life coaching business and influential role in the church. On the other hand, Franke earned a living by showcasing her family life with her six children and husband Kevin Franke on the YouTube channel 8 Passengers.
Franke initiated her online presence in 2015, and her bond with Hildebrandt strengthened in 2019. Hildebrandt became deeply involved in Franke and her children’s lives, leading to distressing levels of abuse against two of Franke’s youngest offspring.
The disturbing truth of Hildebrandt’s complicity in the abuse came to light in the Netflix documentary titled Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story. Franke’s children were rescued after her 12-year-old son sought help from a neighbor, revealing signs of abuse on August 30, 2023. Subsequently, authorities found her nine-year-old daughter in a malnourished state at Hildebrandt’s mansion in Utah, leading to the swift arrest of Franke and Hildebrandt.
The abusive behavior within Franke’s family came to public attention when negative comments surfaced on her YouTube videos, showcasing harsh discipline methods towards her children. Child protective services were alerted in 2020 after concerns were raised, including an incident where her son was forced to sleep on a bean bag for several months as punishment.
Franke’s actions, such as depriving her children of privileges and subjecting them to harsh punishments, hinted at deeper issues. However, the full extent of the abuse remained hidden until the horrific details emerged from court documents following her arrest.
The abusive treatment inflicted by Franke extended to physically and emotionally tormenting her children, with the involvement of Hildebrandt exacerbating the situation. The case shocked the community, leading to the rescue of the children and legal repercussions for both Franke and Hildebrandt.
In the aftermath of the arrests, Franke’s older children were estranged, with the minors placed under the care of child services. Ultimately, Kevin Franke, the father, gained full custody of the children following the divorce proceedings.
Both Franke and Hildebrandt received prison sentences in February 2024 for their crimes, reflecting the severity of their actions. Franke expressed remorse in court, acknowledging her distorted reality and the harm inflicted on her children.
The impact of the abuse reverberated in the family’s lives, with the eldest children sharing their experiences in public forums. Shari, now 22, penned a memoir detailing her journey to freedom, while Chad, now 20, pursued a career as a realtor. The identities of the four children remain undisclosed to protect their privacy.