The shocking downfall of Ruby Franke, the former YouTube family vlogger, has captivated audiences worldwide. Her conviction for aggravated child abuse, alongside her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, has left many questioning the disturbing nature of their relationship. Now, a new Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, sheds light on the intimate and unsettling bond between the two women.
A Relationship Beyond Friendship
In a new documentary set to air on February 27, Kevin Franke, Ruby’s soon-to-be ex-husband, opens up about the dynamic between Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. According to Kevin, their relationship was “much more than a friendship” and “uncomfortably intimate.”
Kevin’s revelations suggest that their bond extended beyond a typical business partnership. He recalls moments when Ruby Franke prioritized Hildebrandt over their own family, even going as far as staying with her overnight due to supposed “demonic possessions.”
The Manipulative Influence of Jodi Hildebrandt
Hildebrandt, known for her ConneXions self-help program, allegedly exerted significant influence over Ruby Franke. The docuseries reveals that Hildebrandt moved in with the Franke family after claiming she was experiencing “demonic night terrors.” Kevin recalls attempting to “exorcise” these spirits alongside his wife, but eventually, Ruby Franke insisted on handling the situation alone.
Over time, Ruby began spending more nights in Hildebrandt’s room, under the guise of helping her overcome these supernatural experiences. According to Kevin, this behavior escalated into something he found deeply unsettling.
A Daughter’s Perspective: What Did Shari Franke Witness?
Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, plays a crucial role in the Hulu documentary. When asked whether she believed her mother and Hildebrandt were romantically involved, she responded, “I mean, I have my opinions.”
Shari’s memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, provides even more disturbing details. She describes a night when she entered her bedroom—where Hildebrandt had been staying—only to find a romantic atmosphere: candlelight, scented massage oils, and an ambiance reminiscent of a honeymoon suite.
“I quickly grabbed what I needed and got the hell out of there,” she wrote, adding that Ruby Franke emerged from the room at 5 a.m., attempting to tie her robe, with “messy hair” and “flushed cheeks.”
The Hypocrisy of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt
One of the most ironic aspects of this entire saga is that both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt publicly condemned queerness through their ConneXions program. Yet, according to Shari, they appeared to embody the very thing they spoke against—privately engaging in behavior that suggested an intimate relationship.
This hypocrisy only adds another layer to the already disturbing actions that led to their convictions.
The Abuse That Led to Their Convictions
The downfall of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt wasn’t just about their questionable relationship—it was about the horrific abuse of Ruby Franke’s children. Both women plead guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse, with horrifying allegations, including convincing two of Ruby’s youngest children that they were possessed by demons and needed to be punished.
As a result, they were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, and Ruby Franke’s minor children were placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.
Kevin Franke’s Attempts to Intervene
Throughout the years, Kevin Franke claims he was kept mainly in the dark about the full extent of his wife’s actions. In the Hulu documentary, he recalls moments when he tried to intervene, but Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt would push him away.
At one point, he was even ask to leave the room while the two women continued their so-call “spiritual practices” in private. This secrecy further fueled Kevin’s suspicions that something deeply troubling was happening behind closed doors.
The Aftermath of Ruby Franke’s Arrest
Since her arrest, Ruby Franke’s family has worked to distance themselves from the scandal. Shari Franke has vocal about the trauma she endure and has taken legal steps to separate from her mother’s toxic legacy.
Meanwhile, Kevin Franke has expressed shock and sorrow over the events that transpired, insisting that he was unaware of the extent of the abuse taking place in their home.
Public Reaction to the Hulu Documentary
The upcoming release of Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke has sparked widespread anticipation. Viewers are eager to gain insight into the disturbing details surrounding Ruby Franke’s downfall, her relationship with Jodi Hildebrandt, and the impact on her family.
Many are particularly interest in hearing from Shari Franke, whose firsthand experiences provide a chilling perspective on the reality of growing up in such an environment.
What’s Next for the Franke Family?
As Ruby Franke serves her prison sentence, her children are trying to move forward. Shari Franke has advocating for awareness regarding abusive family dynamics, while Kevin Franke is focuse on rebuilding his life away from the shadow of his wife’s crimes.
The Hulu documentary will likely serve as a definitive account of the rise and fall of Ruby Franke, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of the manipulation, abuse, and shocking hypocrisy that led to her conviction.
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Final Thoughts
The story of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, manipulation, and secrecy. What started as a seemingly innocent vlogging family turned into a nightmare for the children involved. As the world watches the Hulu documentary, one thing is certain—this case will remain a haunting example of how even the most picture-perfect lives can hide dark and disturbing secrets.
