Hulu Unveils New 8 Passengers Documentary Following Daughter’s Statement on Ruby Franke

Almost a year post-sentencing of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrant, there’s a resurgence of dialogue surrounding the scandal, particularly from Ruby’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, who has recently opened up about the alleged abuse she and her siblings endured. Additionally, a new documentary is set to premiere on Hulu focusing on the infamous 8 Passengers case.

Before her arrest, Ruby Franke had already endured significant backlash for her stringent parenting methods and the exhibition of her children’s private lives on their family YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. However, these issues merely scratched the surface of more severe allegations.

The situation escalated in August 2023 when Ruby’s malnourished son escaped through a window at Hildebrant’s residence, seeking help, prompting a police investigation that unveiled years of abuse. In February 2024, both Ruby and Hildebrant received sentences of up to 60 years behind bars.

Upcoming Documentary: Devil in the Family – The Fall of Ruby Franke

On February 27, Hulu will debut the highly anticipated documentary series “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” offering viewers an in-depth look into the case with all three episodes available for immediate streaming.

It’s essential to distinguish this upcoming series from the earlier documentary, “Ruby Franke: A Momfluencer’s Double Life?,” which was released as the investigations unfolded in 2023.

This new docu-series promises to delve more deeply into the events, featuring exclusive interviews with Shari and her brother Chad, along with their father Kevin, now separated from Ruby.

Hulu summarized the premise: “For years, the Frankes’ YouTube channel projected an image of a happy family life, attracting 2.5 million subscribers at its peak. However, underlying issues soon surfaced, leading to a reliance on counselor Jodi Hildebrant for support, ultimately entrapment in a disturbing reality.”

The series marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time Shari and Chad, along with Kevin, publicly recount their experiences on film, offering unprecedented insight into the scandal that captivated millions.

Shari Franke’s Revelations on Family Dynamics and Abuse

In conjunction with the docu-series announcement, Shari Franke discussed her memoir, “The House of My Mother,” during an interview with Good Morning America. She shed light on the abusive environment fostered by Ruby and her complex relationship with Hildebrant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9pJKlUlY5g

Ruby Franke's daughter speaks out about mom's arrest and her abusive childhood (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9pJKlUlY5g)

Shari articulated her alienation from her family during her college years, recalling instances of physical abuse during her childhood. “My mother was very physical,” she recounted, sharing unsettling memories of slaps and intimidation. However, she observed a decrease in physical abuse after Ruby began working with Hildebrant.

Shari initially viewed this as a positive change but revealed that the mother-daughter dynamic transformed into a more psychologically damaging situation. She noted, “The family’s bond shifted dramatically,” particularly when Hildebrant moved into their home in 2022, an event that ultimately led to Kevin’s departure.

Expressing her discomfort, Shari stated, “I was leaving for college, and she was already in my room. It felt off.”

In her memoir, Shari divulged startling new accusations, claiming to have discovered messages that further illuminated the nature of Ruby’s relationship with Hildebrant, blurring the lines of professional and personal boundaries. Shari expressed her uncertainty about whether the two were more than friends, indicating the complexity of their connection.

On Instagram, Shari promoted her book, emphasizing, “After years of silence, I’m finally sharing MY story in my own words. This memoir encapsulates my struggles and experiences growing up under intense public scrutiny, revealing the darker truths behind our seemingly perfect lives.”

As the narrative unfolds, it presents not just a tale of tragedy but also one of resilience and self-discovery in the aftermath of chaos.

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