Ruby Franke’s Kids Spill the Tea on Vlogging Trauma: “I Feel Like My Mom Used Me”
In a heartbreaking yet eye-opening statement, Ruby Franke’s 11-year-old daughter has revealed the lasting emotional toll of growing up in the spotlight of her mom’s notorious vlogging career. During a hearing for a proposed child protection bill in Utah, a letter from the young girl was read by her dad, Kevin Franke, outlining her struggles with the “trauma” she associates with her mother’s YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. “I thought I was happy,” she shared. “But as I got older, I realized the YouTube channel had ruined my childhood… I feel like my mom used me for money.”
This candid revelation comes on the heels of Ruby’s conviction for aggravated child abuse, which has left many questioning the ethics of family vlogging, particularly regarding minors. The podcast host turned controversial figure faced a 4- to 60-year prison sentence, leaving her children grappling with feelings of betrayal and exploitation. The kids, like many precocious youths today, initially thought being part of the family business was fun, only to find out too late that they were unwittingly selling their lives to the world.
Adding another layer to the story, the 16-year-old sister echoed her younger sibling’s sentiments, lamenting that compensation for their involvement was nullified when Ruby withdrew all the funds in 2023. “You’re selling your life, your privacy, your body,” she expressed, advocating for more support for kids in similar situations. The proposed bill would require online creators to set aside a portion of their earnings into trust funds for child performers—a necessary safeguard in a digital age where monetization often trumps mental health.
Kevin Franke, admitting his regrets about the family’s vlogging saga, reinforced the need for better practices in the industry, stating, “Vlogging my family… was wrong, and I regret it every day.” Understanding the profound impact these experiences had on his kids is a first step, but there’s a long way to go before child safety in online content creation is adequately addressed.
The Franke family’s saga serves as a cautionary tale in the expanding horizon of digital content, spotlighting the urgent discussion surrounding child influencers and their rights in a world that often prioritizes profit over well-being.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, The Salt Lake Tribune
