The story of Kevin Franke and his family has captured national attention, shining a spotlight on the dangers of social media and the complexities of domestic relationships. As Ruby Franke, Kevin’s ex-wife and a popular momfluencer, serves a lengthy prison sentence for child abuse, her husband and their children have emerged from the shadows to share their side of the story. This article delves into the events surrounding the case, offering an analytical perspective while exploring the broader implications.
Ruby Franke's Arrest and Conviction
On August 30, 2023, Kevin Franke's world was turned upside down 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, aged 12 and 9 at the time. Authorities discovered the children in a dire state—severely malnourished, emaciated, and covered in wounds. Ruby, who had built a following through her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, where she documented family life and offered parenting advice, pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.
In the aftermath of Ruby’s arrest, Kevin primarily communicated through his lawyer, Kester. However, he and his two oldest children, Shari and Chad, broke their silence in the Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which premiered on February 27, 2024. The series provided unprecedented insight into the family's ordeal, highlighting the emotional toll it took on everyone involved.
The Divorce and Custody Battle
Following Ruby’s conviction, Kevin filed for divorce in late 2023. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Kevin was granted full custody of their four minor children. The divorce agreement also awarded him the couple's properties, though he agreed to consider all child support from Ruby already paid. These decisions reflect the court's prioritization of the children's well-being amid the turmoil.
Kevin’s decision to sever ties with Ruby came after months of reflection. In interviews, he expressed conflicting emotions about his former spouse. “I do still love her,” he told TODAY.com. “But that doesn’t mean that I’m not angry.” His remarks underscore the complexity of their relationship and the challenges faced by families caught in similar situations.
Kevin Speaks Out
Through various media appearances, including an interview on Good Morning America aired on February 25, 2025, Kevin opened up about his experiences. He revealed that he eventually requested Ruby stop writing to him from prison, explaining, “I didn’t want to hear anymore. I didn’t like the guilt trips or the attempts to manipulate me.” This decision marked a turning point in his healing process.
Kevin also addressed the role social media played in their family dynamics. Regretting the public exposure of their personal lives, he emphasized the need for legislative reform to protect children involved in content creation. Speaking before the Utah Legislature, Kevin advocated for stricter regulations governing how minors’ earnings are managed within the digital space.
A Family's Struggle
Ruby Franke rose to fame on YouTube by sharing intimate details of her family’s life in Utah. Her channel, 8 Passengers, attracted thousands of followers seeking relatable parenting advice. However, beneath the surface, darker truths lay hidden. Many viewers questioned whether Kevin ignored signs of abuse during this period. While no definitive evidence exists, some interpret the family’s online presence as indicative of deeper issues.
Shari Franke, one of Kevin and Ruby’s daughters, shared her own journey of resilience on social media. A post from September 14, 2019, showcased her commitment to fitness and self-improvement, crediting her father for supporting her goals. With over 40,000 likes, the post highlighted the positive influence Kevin continues to have on his children despite the trauma they endured.
Looking Ahead
As Ruby serves a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, Kevin remains focused on rebuilding his life and ensuring his children thrive. His advocacy efforts extend beyond his immediate family, aiming to prevent future tragedies through systemic change. By speaking candidly about his experiences, Kevin hopes to raise awareness about the potential pitfalls of social media and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between sharing our lives online and protecting those we love most. As society grapples with the evolving landscape of digital media, stories like the Franks' highlight the urgent need for thoughtful regulation and compassionate intervention.
