Per the divorce agreement obtained by PEOPLE, Kevin Franke has been granted full custody of their four minor children. This decision comes after Ruby Franke's conviction for child abuse, following her guilty plea in a case that shocked the public. Ruby is currently serving a prison sentence for the maltreatment of their children.
The Fall of Ruby Franke: A Family in Turmoil
On August 30, 2023, Kevin Franke’s life took an unexpected turn when his wife of 23 years, Ruby Franke, and their family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested. The charges stemmed from allegations of severe abuse against their two youngest children, who were discovered severely malnourished and covered in wounds. This shocking revelation unraveled the seemingly idyllic life of the popular family vloggers, whose YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, had garnered thousands of followers.
Since Ruby’s arrest and subsequent conviction, Kevin has primarily addressed the situation through his lawyer, Kester. However, he recently broke his silence in the Hulu docuseries 'Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,' which premiered on February 27, 2025. In this series, Kevin and his two eldest children, Shari and Chad, shared their perspectives on the harrowing events that led to the family’s downfall.
Kevin Franke’s Role in the Abuse Allegations
While many have condemned Ruby for her actions, some critics argue that Kevin Franke bears equal responsibility for the abuse. They point to the public image portrayed on the family’s YouTube channel, where signs of neglect may have been evident. Kevin himself acknowledged the complexities of the situation in an interview with PEOPLE, stating, “I do still love her. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not angry.”
In the docuseries, Kevin recalled telling his children that he needed time away to work on himself, hoping to return as a better husband and father. Yet, the finalization of their divorce in early 2024 suggests that reconciliation was no longer possible. As part of the settlement, Kevin was awarded full custody of the four remaining minor children, along with ownership of the couple's properties. He also agreed to consider all child support obligations from Ruby as already fulfilled.
A Call for Change
Kevin Franke has used his platform to advocate for legislative changes aimed at protecting children involved in online content creation. Speaking before the Utah Legislature, he expressed regret over allowing Ruby to document their children’s lives on social media. His testimony highlighted concerns about the potential exploitation of minors in the digital age and underscored the need for safeguards to ensure their financial security.
Ruby Franke, once celebrated for her parenting advice, now faces up to 30 years in prison for her crimes. Her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, continues to navigate the aftermath of their high-profile case, balancing his responsibilities as a single parent with his newfound role as an advocate for child welfare.
Reflections on the Case
For many viewers of the Hulu docuseries, the story of Ruby and Kevin Franke raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and the impact of social media on family dynamics. While some sympathize with Kevin’s position, others remain skeptical, questioning whether he did enough to protect his children during Ruby’s reign as a mommy influencer.
In a candid moment captured in the documentary, Kevin admitted to requesting that Ruby cease communication from prison. “I didn’t want to hear anymore,” he explained. “It was too painful.” Despite their turbulent past, Kevin maintains a complex relationship with his ex-wife, acknowledging both his anger and lingering affection.
Moving Forward
As the Franke family works to rebuild their lives, they continue to inspire conversations about the dangers of oversharing on social media platforms. Through interviews and public appearances, Kevin Franke emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being above online popularity. His efforts serve as a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is always room for growth, reflection, and positive change.
