The much-anticipated Hulu series, “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” sheds light on the dramatic downfall of Ruby Franke, a former YouTube sensation turned convicted felon. The series marks the first public appearances of her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, and their son Chad, as they share their personal narratives surrounding the events that led to Ruby’s imprisonment. In August 2023, authorities arrested Ruby Franke in Utah following the escape of her 12-year-old son from her business partner’s home. This incident prompted an investigation revealing severe child abuse, ultimately leading Ruby to plead guilty.
Ruby Franke's legal troubles began when her son sought help from a neighbor after fleeing from the residence of Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby’s business partner. During a subsequent search, authorities found Ruby's 10-year-old daughter malnourished, raising grave concerns about neglect. In December 2023, Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in Utah’s Washington County 5th District Court. The court sentenced her and Jodi Hildebrandt to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years each for aggravated child abuse in February 2024.
"I think what you'll see is something very, very different than what you thought you knew." – Kevin Franke
Kevin Franke filed for divorce in November 2023, seeking to distance himself from the turmoil. As viewers navigate the series, Kevin hopes they grasp the complexities the family faced amid social media scrutiny. He emphasizes caution about whom people choose to idolize in the digital age.
"There are real consequences associated with that, and I want people to know that, to be just careful with who they choose to follow, with who they choose to put on a pedestal and to put their faith and to put their trust in." – Kevin Franke
Ruby Franke's guilty plea is portrayed as an acknowledgment of her actions' repercussions on her family. Her attorneys assert that accepting punishment marks a critical step toward accountability and healing.
"Ruby Franke wants to take responsibility for the harm she has caused to her children and to her entire family. She knows that by pleading guilty and accepting the punishment, she is taking a step in the right direction to be accountable for her actions." – Ruby Franke's attorneys
The series also features insights from Shari Franke, Ruby’s eldest daughter, who shares her harrowing experiences of alleged abuse during childhood. Her testimony adds another layer to understanding the family's dynamics and challenges faced over the years.
In January, Ruby Franke released her memoir, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom," which provides a personal account of her journey. Despite its publication, the memoir has been overshadowed by the unfolding legal drama and revelations.
Kevin Franke hopes that through this series, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the real dangers lurking behind social media facades. He stresses the importance of protecting oneself and loved ones from the potential hazards of public exposure.
"I want people to know that there is real danger when you place yourself or your family or children out onto public social media." – Kevin Franke
