On August 30, 2023, Kevin Franke’s world was turned upside down. His wife of 23 years, Ruby Franke, and their family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested on shocking charges of child abuse. Their two youngest children, aged 12 and 9 at the time, were found emaciated, malnourished, and covered in wounds, leading to a case that stunned the nation. 😨
Who is Kevin Franke? 🏡
Kevin Franke first gained public attention in 2015 when he and Ruby launched their family YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. The couple, along with their six children, shared their everyday lives, quickly amassing millions of subscribers. However, their strict parenting style raised concerns, leading to an online petition in 2020 calling for child protective services to investigate.
Kevin, once an assistant engineering professor at Brigham Young University, was not living with Ruby and their children at the time of her arrest. He had been separated from his wife for a year, allegedly at Hildebrandt’s insistence, and had limited contact with his children. 📹
Kevin’s Reaction to Ruby’s Arrest 💔
Since the arrest and subsequent conviction of Ruby Franke, Kevin has spoken out primarily through his lawyer. However, he recently opened up in the Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which premiered on February 27, 2025.
“I truly did and still do love her,” Kevin admitted in an interview with PEOPLE. “But that doesn’t excuse what she did… I’m going to do what’s best for my children, my family, and myself, and that’s not going to include her.”
The Fallout: Fighting for Custody ⚖️
Following Ruby’s arrest, the four youngest Franke children were placed in the custody of Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services. Kevin has been battling in court to regain full custody, emphasizing his commitment to his children's well-being.
“He just wants to do what’s best for his kids,” his lawyer told PEOPLE in April 2024. Despite his efforts, the children remained in state custody as of early 2025.
Taking Legal Action Against Jodi Hildebrandt 🚨
Kevin has also taken legal steps against Jodi Hildebrandt, filing a lawsuit in April 2024 for “intentional infliction of emotional distress” and negligence. His goal is to hold Hildebrandt accountable and ensure restitution for his children.
Advocating for Child Welfare Reform 🏛️
Determined to make a difference, Kevin has been actively advocating for stronger child protection laws. He has testified before Utah lawmakers, pushing for reforms that would allow child welfare workers to intervene earlier in cases of suspected abuse.
“The child welfare system in this state is broken,” he told legislators. “It failed my children in their time of greatest need.”
Life After 8 Passengers: Moving Forward 🌱
Kevin has distanced himself from family vlogging, exposing the harsh reality behind the camera. In the Hulu docuseries, he revealed unedited footage showing Ruby pressuring their children to behave a certain way on video.
“One of the biggest fears of any family content creator is that the raw footage leaks so people can see what really goes on behind the camera,” he shared. 🎥
The Road to Healing 🛤️
Despite everything, Kevin remains focused on rebuilding his relationship with his children. He has started a new tradition of hosting Sunday dinners with his older children, Shari and Chad, as they work toward healing as a family. ❤️
“I genuinely hope she [Ruby] gets the help she needs,” Kevin said. “But I’m still very angry.”
Final Thoughts 💭
Kevin Franke’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and determination to protect and support his children. As he continues to fight for their well-being and push for systemic change, his journey serves as a sobering reminder of the dark side of family vlogging and the importance of child welfare protections.
Stay tuned for updates as this case unfolds, and let’s keep the conversation going about protecting children in the digital age. 💬
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