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Kevin Franke and his children are speaking out about the dangers of social media after their family's life was turned upside down. Their wife and mother, Ruby Franke, a popular momfluencer, was sent to prison for child abuse in 2023. This case has sparked widespread debate about parenting, online influence, and accountability on platforms like YouTube.
Ruby Franke: From Momfluencer to Convicted Abuser
Ruby Franke rose to fame on YouTube by documenting her family life in Utah through her channel, 8 Passengers. The channel attracted thousands of followers who tuned in for parenting advice and glimpses into the seemingly idyllic life of a large family. However, behind the scenes, a darker reality unfolded. In August 2023, authorities discovered that Ruby and the family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, had been abusing Kevin and Ruby’s two youngest children, then aged 12 and 9. The children were found severely malnourished, emaciated, and covered in wounds.
This shocking revelation led to Ruby’s arrest and eventual conviction on four counts of aggravated child abuse. She is now serving a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Her husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce shortly after the incident, citing the need to protect their remaining children and rebuild his life.
Kevin Franke Speaks Out
In an interview airing on Good Morning America in February 2025, Kevin Franke opened up about his decision to leave Ruby and file for divorce. He explained that while he still harbors feelings for her, he cannot ignore the harm caused to their children. “I do still love her,” he told ABC News. “But that doesn’t mean that I’m not angry.”
Kevin Franke also revealed that he initially tried to shield his children from the truth by telling them he needed time to “work on himself” as a husband and father. Over time, however, he realized the gravity of the situation and took decisive action to ensure the safety of their four minor children.
The Divorce and Its Aftermath
A year after Ruby’s conviction, the divorce between Kevin and Ruby Franke was finalized. Per the agreement, Kevin was granted full custody of their four younger children. Additionally, he was awarded the couple’s properties but agreed to consider all child support obligations already fulfilled due to Ruby’s incarceration.
Despite the legal resolution, Kevin Franke expressed mixed emotions about his former marriage. In a candid moment, he admitted to requesting that Ruby stop writing to him from prison. “I didn’t want to hear anymore,” he said. “I didn’t like the constant reminders of what happened.”
Pushing for Reform
Kevin Franke has become an advocate for reform within the systems designed to protect children. He believes that both the police and the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) failed his family when they needed help most. In a recent docuseries titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, Kevin detailed his frustrations with these institutions and called on lawmakers to improve how cases of suspected child abuse are handled.
He testified before the Utah Legislature, advocating for a bill that would safeguard the earnings of children involved in web content creation. Reflecting on his own experience, Kevin admitted regret over allowing Ruby to put their children’s lives online. “I wish I could turn back time and prevent this from happening,” he confessed.
Shari Franke: A New Chapter
Shari Franke, one of Kevin and Ruby’s older daughters, has also shared her perspective on the family’s ordeal. On social media, she announced her engagement while emphasizing her desire to keep her private life off public platforms moving forward. In a heartfelt post, she reflected on her journey toward personal growth, crediting her father for supporting her fitness goals.
In a September 2019 Instagram post, Shari celebrated reaching significant milestones in her health journey, dropping 5% body fat and gaining 5 pounds of muscle. She humorously noted how her dad, unlike traditional fathers who take their kids fishing or hunting, preferred taking her to the gym. Her story highlights the resilience and determination within the Franke family despite their challenges.
Public Reaction and Analysis
Many viewers of the Hulu docuseries have questioned Kevin Franke’s role in the alleged abuse. Some argue that he should have intervened earlier, given the visible signs documented on their YouTube channel. Others sympathize with his position, acknowledging the complexity of domestic situations and the pressure exerted by influencers to maintain a perfect image online.
The world watched as the Franke family unraveled under the spotlight of social media. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of oversharing personal lives and the importance of prioritizing real-world relationships over digital personas.
Moving forward, Kevin Franke hopes to focus on healing and rebuilding his family. By sharing his story, he aims to raise awareness about child welfare issues and inspire others to seek help when faced with similar struggles.
