Disgraced YouTuber Ruby Franke, who was convicted of severe child abuse, is back in the spotlight as Hulu releases a new documentary, “Devil in the Family,” detailing her disturbing case. The documentary explores the horrifying abuse Franke inflicted on her children and the role of her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, in perpetuating the cycle of violence.
According to People, Franke’s abusive behavior was far worse than initially revealed, with court documents exposing gruesome details of her son being tied up and starved, while another child was forced to clean blood off the walls after a violent beating.
The case gained national attention when Franke’s malnourished son escaped from her home and ran to a neighbor for help, leading to her arrest and subsequent conviction. The Independent reports that Franke, who once ran the popular YouTube family channel “8 Passengers,” cultivated a strict and often controversial parenting style that escalated into criminal abuse.
Hulu’s new documentary, “Devil in the Family,” dives into the psychological control and manipulation that Franke and Hildebrandt exerted over their children, as well as the deeply disturbing family dynamics that led to the unraveling of their public image. Today highlights firsthand accounts from Franke’s estranged relatives, shedding new light on how deeply the abuse ran behind the carefully curated online persona.
Since her sentencing, Franke has shown little remorse, with Hulu’s documentary revealing exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage that illustrate the depth of her control over her household. The case has reignited debates about parental authority, YouTube influencer culture, and the responsibility of social media platforms to regulate content that exploits children.
As “Devil in the Family” garners widespread attention, the public is once again confronted with the harrowing reality of how a seemingly wholesome influencer could mask horrific abuse behind a family-friendly façade.
