Ruby Franke’s Downfall: A Family Torn Apart and the Parents Who Tried to Save Her
So, what’s the deal with Ruby Franke and her parents? You know, the high-profile YouTuber who was once a social media darling and then went completely off the rails? After being arrested for child abuse in August 2023, her story became a tragic saga—one that shows how a family’s dynamics can unravel in public. Ruby’s parents, Chad and Jennifer Griffiths, have been relatively quiet compared to the rest of the clan. They even penned a heartfelt letter to the judge, claiming they barely recognized their daughter over the past three years—citing delusions and brainwashing as some of the factors. According to them, Ruby, once a vlogger with 2.5 million followers on her channel “8 Passengers,” had built up a wall of isolation. And who better to build those walls than her podcast partner and therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt? Let’s rewind to the events that led to her arrest: it all kicked off when Ruby’s young son fled their therapist’s home, seeking basic needs like food and water from a neighbor. Yikes!
In December 2023, Ruby took a plea deal, swapping some charges for a guilty plea on four counts of aggravated child abuse. Now, both she and Hildebrandt are facing staggering 15-year sentences that—thanks to Utah law—won’t exceed 30 years. Talk about a fall from grace! While her immediate family has made media appearances—like their stint in the Hulu docuseries *Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke*—her parents opted for the silent treatment in court. They clearly prefer discretion over drama, especially as they continue their missionary work abroad in Serbia.
Since the incident, the extended family has issued statements acknowledging the gravity of Ruby’s actions and focusing on the safety of her children—their ultimate priority. It seems the Griffiths family saga is far from over, and as Ruby’s case unfolds in the public eye, we can’t help but wonder how this once tight-knit family will weather the storm.
Stay tuned; there’s definitely more to come on this mind-boggling saga!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, KSL News, Business Insider
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