YouTuber Ruby Franke Admits Guilt in Child Abuse Case Related to Parenting Advice Channel

A woman from Utah, Ruby Franke, who used to share parenting advice on a popular YouTube channel, admitted guilt to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The charges were brought against her after her son escaped their home, alleging starvation and abuse. Franke, who once had over two million subscribers on her parenting blog, entered the guilty plea and will testify against a former business partner. She is set to be sentenced in February 2024.

Franke’s arrest took place when her malnourished son sought help from a neighbour after escaping the home of her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Both women were arrested, and Hildebrandt was also charged with child abuse. Franke’s lawyer claimed that Hildebrandt led her “astray” by isolating her from family, resulting in a “distorted sense of morality.”

According to court records, Franke’s 12-year-old son reported being tied up with ropes by Hildebrandt before escaping in August, suffering deep lacerations and malnourishment. Another child was found malnourished, leading to all four children being placed in state custody.

Ruby Franke gained fame through her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, where she discussed parenting her six children. The channel faced criticism for her strict parenting methods, including withholding meals and using unconventional punishments, such as her son sleeping on a bean bag for months. The channel was deactivated earlier this year.