TW: severe child abuse. If this is triggering for you, please proceed with caution or skip this post entirely.
Family vlogger Ruby Franke and controversial therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt has been charged with child abuse.
The pair are behind life coach service, ConneXions, which is based in Utah.
On the 31 August, Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested at Hildebrandt’s home in Ivins.
Hildebrandt and Franke were charged with aggravated child abuse.
According to Title 76 of Utah’s Criminal Code, aggravated child abuse is committed when:
a. inflicts upon a child serious injury; or
b. having the care or custody of such child, causes or permits another to inflict serious injury upon a child.
Franke and Hildebrandt are being accused of starvation and torture.
Franke makes disturbing accusations
Have Franke or Hildebrandt expressed any remorse? Of course not!
In fact, Franke had the gall to accuse one of her children of abuse.
According to the New York Post, Franke accused one of her child of molesting siblings and accessing pornography… at three years old.
Let that sink in.
I’m not saying what she’s saying is true. However, if it was true, that’s a failure of adults around that child. That child was not protected. At worst, the child could have been abused. If it’s true, the child is still a victim.
(Surprise, surprise, Franke didn’t provide evidence for these claims).
Franke’s now ex – husband, Kevin has denied taking part in any abuse. However, he has defended Ruby’s troubling parenting style.
Did Jodi Hildebrandt radicalise Franke?
Some people have accused Hildebrandt of radicalising Franke through ConneXions. Commentators claim Hildebrandt is a cult leader.
However, anyone familiar with 8 Passengers YouTube channel could see that Franke was already sadistic.
Frankie’s abusive behaviour there for all to see
Like other commentators, I’ve decided not to list examples of Franke’s reprehensible behaviour on 8 Passengers.
Let’s just say that Franke’s past behaviour showed that she was cruel to her children; physically and emotionally. One could say that something like these horrible (alleged) crimes were somewhat predictable.
I don’t think Hildebrandt manipulated Franke to abuse her children. At least not without Franke’s permission.
I’m not saying that Hildebrandt is innocent. She is a reprehensible therapist and person. Her niece, Jessi (they/ them) has spoken about Hildebrandt’s troubling past behaviour.
In past videos, she has openly blamed survivors of abuse of ‘playing the victim’.
Hildebrandt has allegedly made unethical choices as a therapist, including breaching client confidentiality by exposing a client’s ‘pornography addiction’ to LDS bishops. Despite being temporarily suspended, as far as I know, Hildebrandt is still a licensed therapist in Utah.
Update: According to Yahoo News, two of Franke’s sisters have spoken out.
Hoellein addressed (capitalised on), Franke’s arrest on her channel. Unfortunately, the videos are self – focused, rather than seeking justice and healing for the children.
This exposes the darkest side of family vlogging and extreme parenting. I hope the children get the help they deserve.
If you’re in Australia and have found this distressing, you can contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 or your national emergency number.