Recent news reveals that YouTuber Ruby Franke, known for her channel ‘8 Passengers’, is facing child abuse charges. This development has left many deeply concerned. Let’s delve into the details.
Who Is YouTuber Ruby Franke?
Ruby Franke, a well-known figure in the world of parenting advice through her YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” has found herself in a deeply troubling situation.
She and her business partner, Jodi Nan Hildebrandt, were arrested in Ivins, Utah, after Ruby Franke’s 12-year-old son managed to escape their home, revealing signs of severe malnourishment and abuse.
The distressing incident came to light when the young boy, emaciated and bearing open wounds with duct tape around his extremities, sought help from a neighbor, who promptly contacted the authorities.
Law enforcement described the boy’s condition as severely malnourished and noted deep lacerations, likely from being restrained with ropes. He required immediate hospitalization due to his critical state.
Furthermore, Ms. Franke’s 10-year-old daughter was also found to be malnourished and subsequently hospitalized.
The gravity of the situation led to the involvement of family and child services, who removed four children from the home under a court-issued warrant.
The charges filed against Ruby Franke and Jodi Nan Hildebrandt include six counts of child abuse, encompassing physical abuse, malnutrition, and severe emotional harm.
These charges, if proven in court, could result in significant penalties, with each count carrying the possibility of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Ruby Franke, 41, achieved online fame in 2015 with her YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” which focused on parenting and showcased her experiences raising her six children.
The channel amassed over 2 million subscribers before its deactivation earlier this year. However, Ms. Franke had faced criticism in the past for her strict parenting methods, which included her son’s claim of sleeping on a bean bag as punishment and the controversial practice of withholding meals as a disciplinary measure.
Some viewers had even reported these incidents to local child protective services, although Ms. Franke insisted they were taken out of context.
In addition to her own channel, Ms. Franke appeared in videos posted by her business partner, Jodi Nan Hildebrandt, a counselor and life coach, on her platform, ConneXions Classroom. These videos discussed various parenting and mental health topics, addressing issues such as children’s mental health struggles.
This troubling turn of events has left many shocked, especially considering the public image that Ruby Franke had cultivated through her YouTube channel.
Her eldest daughter, Shari Franke, expressed relief on social media following her mother’s arrest, stating that her family had tried for years to raise concerns with the police and child protective services.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Ruby Franke has sought legal representation and refrained from making statements to law enforcement. The identity of her attorney remains undisclosed at this time.
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