Parenting influencer Ruby Franke’s estranged husband issues chilling warning after she was jailed for child abuse
Topics: Crime, Documentaries, Parenting, True Life, Ruby Franke
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: ABC News
Topics: Crime, Documentaries, Parenting, True Life, Ruby Franke
Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse which some readers may find distressing.
Ruby Franke's estranged husband Kevin has spoken about the 'consequences' of putting children on social media, following the parenting influencer's child abuse conviction.
The dad, who shares six kids with Ruby - who pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse in 2023 - spoke out ahead of the release of a new documentary outlining the darker side of their children's upbringing.
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The Franke family became YouTube famous in 2015 after creating their channel '8 Passengers' - where they documented their life.
Ruby, 43, once boasted more than two million subscribers on her parenting blog but is now imprisoned for the child abuse she committed.
She was arrested alongside family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, 55, who was also convicted of child abuse, after it later became apparent that she put ropes on their 12-year-old son's ankles and wrists before he escaped her home.
Upon investigation, Franke's daughter was also found to be malnourished and was taken to hospital.
As a result, four out of her six children were placed in state custody.
A documentary detailing the events leading up to both of their convictions, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, was released on Hulu on 27 February.
Prior to this, Kevin appeared on Good Morning America (GMA) with his eldest son, Chad, and spoke about his estranged wife's actions.
"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 warned. "There are real consequences associated with that."
Kevin added: "I want people to know that, to be just careful with who they choose to follow, with who they choose to put on a pedestal and to put their faith and to put their trust in.
"Because if you put your trust in the wrong person, it can have massive consequences in your life."
Speaking about the family therapist who also abused their children, the dad said: "She came across as somebody who was firm and very authoritative, and so we thought, this is the perfect fit.
"The bottom line is that I was choosing to trust a licensed professional mental health counsellor and my wife, and they gave some terrible counsel."
Kevin noted that he did still love Ruby, with whom he filed for divorce in 2023, despite not forgiving her despicable actions.
Both Ruby and Jodi will spend up to a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is now available to stream on Hulu.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 10am-8pm Monday to Friday. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111, 24/7.