In a shocking turn of events, Hulu is set to premiere a three-part docuseries titled “Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” on February 27, 2024. This urgent documentary captures the unsettling story of Ruby Franke, a popular family vlogger, who was convicted of severe child abuse. Ruby once enjoyed the adoration of millions of followers on her YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” but her life changed dramatically when serious allegations against her surfaced, leading to her arrest in August 2023.
A Family’s Turmoil Unveiled
Ruby Franke’s family life appeared picturesque on the outside, filled with smiles and shared moments on their widely-followed channel. However, behind the camera lurked dark secrets that led to the torment of her children. According to prosecutors, two of Ruby’s children lived in a horrifying, “concentration camp-like setting” before one of them bravely escaped to seek help from a neighbor. This courageous act ultimately prompted authorities to investigate and reveal the horrific conditions.
The Arrest That Shook a Nation
The truth unraveled when a 12-year-old boy managed to escape. His alarming experience of starvation and abuse shocked everyone. Ruby was arrested alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, both facing grim realities after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse charges. The two women received sentences ranging from four to 30 years in prison, marking a significant moment in a case that has garnered national attention and outrage.
Shari Franke Speaks Out and Takes Action
In the midst of this turmoil, Shari Franke, Ruby’s eldest daughter, has come forward to share her side of the story. She recently released her memoir titled “House of My Mother,” which details her troubling experiences growing up as part of this family. In her memoir, Shari describes the controlling influence of Hildebrandt and raises serious concerns about the well-being of her siblings. Shari recounts her struggles with mental health and the emotional scars left by her mother’s actions.
- Shari’s memoir reveals her ongoing battle with suicidal thoughts and her desperate attempts to contact child protective services.
- She advocates for the complete abolition of family vlogging, stressing the need for stricter regulations to protect children.
- The memoir includes insights from her childhood journals, offering a glimpse into her past struggles.
What Viewers Can Expect From the Docuseries
Hulu’s docuseries promises an eye-opening look at the Franke family’s saga, featuring exclusive interviews with Ruby’s adult children and her estranged husband, Kevin Franke. Passion Pictures, known for their impactful documentaries, is at the helm of this project. With over 1,000 hours of previously unseen footage from the Franke family’s YouTube channel, viewers can expect an unfathomable exploration of the duality of their online persona versus the grim reality.
Community Reactions and Future Implications
The case has sparked widespread criticism regarding the dangers of family vlogging and the need for child welfare reform. Advocates are pushing for legislation to protect child influencers from exploitation and abuse. As Shari continues to raise awareness, it’s evident that the fall of Ruby Franke sends a stark message about the possible consequences associated with fame and social media.
A Look Ahead
The premiere of “Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” will undoubtedly have a lasting impact not only on those directly involved but also on the broader conversation surrounding child welfare in the realm of family vlogging. Shari’s advocacy and the poignant story within the docuseries call for necessary changes to safeguard children from similar fates.
| Important Dates | Details |
|---|---|
| February 27, 2024 | Premiere of Hulu’s docuseries on Ruby Franke. |
| October 24, 2023 | Release of Shari Franke’s memoir, “House of My Mother.” |
| August 30, 2023 | Arrest of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt for child abuse. |
