Ruby Franke’s Son Defends His Dad on Snapchat Amid Hulu Docuseries Backlash
On February 27, the new Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, premiered, shedding light on the once-popular YouTube star Ruby Franke and her family’s tumultuous journey. The three-part series features candid interviews with Chad Franke, Ruby’s son, along with his father Kevin Franke and sister Shari Franke. They talk about their family’s rise to social media fame with Ruby’s YouTube channel “8 Passengers” and how everything took a turn when they encountered family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt.
In 2023, Ruby and Hildebrandt were arrested and charged with abusing two of Ruby and Kevin’s younger children. This led to their conviction in 2024, with each receiving a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Kevin and Chad Franke have since opened up about their experiences, expressing hope that the public will understand their family’s story after watching the docuseries.
Chad shared his thoughts with his followers on Snapchat, acknowledging the manipulation tactics used by Hildebrandt. The series also delves into how Hildebrandt managed to influence the Franke family, starting with Ruby seeking Hildebrandt’s counsel for Chad when he was a teenager.
Kevin Franke revealed that Hildebrandt gradually indoctrinated their family, convincing them that isolation was necessary for healing. Both Kevin and Chad were required to move out of the family home and refrain from contacting their loved ones. Despite the emotional and physical toll, they complied in the hopes of reuniting their family.
Now, Chad and Kevin are on a path to healing, slowly recovering from the trauma of their past experiences. The series sheds light on the power of manipulation and the lasting impact it can have on families. Despite their difficult journey, Chad and Kevin remain hopeful for the future.
It’s essential to recognize signs of child abuse and take action if you suspect any wrongdoing. Resources like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline are available 24/7 for support and guidance in multiple languages. Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected, especially within their own families.
