The Controversy Surrounding 8 Passengers: A Deep Dive into the Child Abuse Charges

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Ruby Franke, the mother behind the popular YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” was charged with child abuse. This incident has shed light on the parenting techniques showcased on the channel, which have faced public scrutiny over the years. In this article, we will delve into the details of the child abuse charges, the controversies surrounding the Franke family, and the implications for their online presence.

The Discovery of Neglect and Abuse

On Wednesday, August 30, two of Ruby Franke’s children were found in conditions of neglect and abuse, leading to the arrest of Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The incident unfolded when Franke’s son managed to escape through a window of Hildebrandt’s house and sought help from a neighboring home. The concerned neighbor noticed duct tape on the child’s ankles and wrists, prompting them to contact the police.

The 12-year-old boy was immediately taken to the hospital, where he received medical attention for deep lacerations from being tied up with rope and severe malnourishment. Subsequently, Franke’s 10-year-old daughter was also discovered malnourished in Hildebrandt’s house and was likewise taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Allegations against Ruby Franke

Ruby Franke, the mother behind the popular YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” has been formally charged with six counts of felony child abuse.

The arrest records indicate that Ruby Franke was present at Hildebrandt’s house, as she had filmed a YouTube video there just days before the arrest. This suggests that Franke was aware of the abuse, malnourishment, and neglect occurring in the home. The severity of the injuries suffered by Franke’s children led to the detective’s request for her to be denied bail.

Criticism of Parenting Decisions

The Franke family and their YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” have faced significant criticism for their parenting decisions over the years. One controversial video blog showcased the family’s decision to ban their oldest son from his bedroom for seven months as punishment for pranking his younger brother. The family also faced backlash for sending their son to a wilderness therapy camp without disclosing the reasons behind it.

In other videos, Ruby Franke discussed refusing to bring lunch to her kindergartener daughter who forgot it at home, threatening to cut the head off a young girl’s stuffed toy as a punishment for cutting things in the house, and even declaring that the two youngest children would not receive presents from Santa Claus for being selfish.

Online Petition and Family Estrangement

The controversial parenting decisions displayed on the “8 Passengers” video blog sparked outrage among viewers, leading some critics to start an online petition urging child protective services to intervene. The oldest daughter of the Franke family eventually cut ties with her parents, as confirmed through her social media posts.

Termination of YouTube Channels

In response to the child abuse charges, YouTube terminated two channels associated with Ruby Franke in accordance with their creator responsibility guidelines. This decision reflects the platform’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its users.

Implications for the Franke Family

The child abuse charges and the subsequent termination of their YouTube channels have undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Franke family. Currently, no court dates have been established, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the legal proceedings and the future of the family.

Reflections on the Downfall of “8 Passengers”

The “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, which began in 2015, gained immense popularity over the years with approximately 2.5 million subscribers at its peak. However, the channel was taken offline earlier this year for undisclosed reasons. The controversies surrounding the parenting techniques showcased on the channel and the allegations of child abuse marked the downfall of “8 Passengers.”

The Way Forward

The child abuse charges against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt have raised concerns about the well-being of the Franke children. With the Utah Department of Children and Family Services taking custody of the children, it is crucial for authorities to ensure their safety and provide the necessary support. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Franke family’s future remains uncertain, and the online community awaits further updates on this distressing case.