In the recent light of YouTuber and content creator Ruby Franke, who was notoriously known for creating parenting and lifestyle content, her channel that ceases to exist now, “8 Passengers,” has also gone viral.
With many trying to get a hold of the channel on YouTube to see its content, it is nearly impossible as it was taken down almost two years back from the platform.
The downfall of the YouTube channel “8 Passenger” by Ruby and Kevin Franke can be traced long before Ruby’s arrest. The channel was taken off around 2021 for unknown reasons, and even before that, the duo were criticized widely for their toxic and abusive parenting style. This resulted in negative publicity for the channel as it started losing all its sponsors, eventually coming to an end.
What Happened with 8 Passengers?
The recent felony charges against the creator of the YouTube channel “8 Passengers”, Ruby and Kevin Franke, have brought the channel back into the limelight. But as for the viewers of the channel who had been following its content for years saw it coming.
After being arrested along with friend and fellow business partner Jodi Hildebrandt for alleging abusing children, the two are now under custody under the suspicion of “child abuse.”
It appears that Ruby Franke and her family, once well-known through their YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” have experienced a series of challenges and significant changes in their lives over the past few years.
“8 Passengers” was a popular YouTube channel that provided viewers with a glimpse into the lives of Ruby Franke, her husband, Kevin Franke, and their six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. The channel gained considerable popularity, amassing approximately 2.5 million subscribers at its peak. However, it appears that the channel faced issues and was taken offline earlier in the year, the specific reasons for which remain undisclosed.
Additionally, allegations of wrongdoing surrounding the family had emerged, contributing to a decline in the channel’s reputation and viewership. These allegations seem to have played a role in the unraveling of “8 Passengers,” leading to Franke branching out to a different and apparently controversial channel last year.
Some family members have seemingly withdrawn from the public eye altogether, like the husband himself, Kevin, and their elder daughter Shari.
As 8 Passengers’s content began to spread to TikTok from YouTube, it started generating viral discussions and controversies. This shift resulted in what could be described as a full-blown battle in the online community, complete with its own consequences, including the loss of sponsorships.
In the spring of 2020, the Franke family faced a significant setback when Clorox and several other advertisers decided to withdraw their support from the channel. This move came amidst criticisms, negative attention, and controversies associated with the family’s online presence. It was needless to say, losing sponsorship deals was a substantial blow for the Frankes as content creators.
Where Are the Franke Kids Now?
In a recent development, the four Franke children continue to be under the care of the Department of Child and Family Services in Utah. The state defines aggravated child abuse to encompass severe forms of mistreatment such as starvation, broken bones, head injuries resulting from hitting or shaking, and suffocation.
Intentionally inflicting such harm can result in serious consequences, including up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Following the arrest of Ruby, the mother of the children, her estranged daughter, Shari, took to Instagram to express relief that justice is being served. She claimed that she and her family had been trying to alert the police and Child Protective Services about these issues for years.
Ruby’s sisters also released a joint statement, echoing Shari’s sentiments and stating that the arrests of those involved “needed to happen.” The children will now be taken care of by their father, Kevin Franke.
Let us know what you think of Franke’s downfall as a content creator. Do you agree with others who think their parenting was toxic?
What do you think will be the fate of the mother of six now? Write to us below!
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