The Truth Behind Rugby Franke: A Youtube Mom, a Manipulative Guru, and the Abuse No One Stopped

By Alexis I. Thompson

For years, millions followed Ruby Franke, the seemingly perfect mother behind the popular YouTube family channel 8 Passengers. Viewers admired her strict parenting and wholesome family life-until the shocking truth was exposed. Behind the carefully curated videos lay a disturbing story of control, manipulation, and unchecked abuse.

When Ruby teamed up with Jodi Hildebrandt, a self-proclaimed relationship expert, their teachings became more extreme. Under the guise of parenting advice, they pushed a twisted ideology that justified cruelty, isolation, and suffering in the name of "tough love." Their devoted followers believed in their methods-but the children trapped inside their system had no way out.

Then came the moment that shattered the illusion. In August 2023, a child escaped-a starving, wounded boy pleading for help. What followed was one of the most horrifying abuse scandals in social media history, leading to Ruby and Jodi's arrest.

This book uncovers the disturbing reality behind the rise and fall of Ruby Franke: the red flags everyone missed, the influence of a dangerous guru, and the shocking failure of those who should have protected the victims.

How did a trusted mother and YouTube star become a symbol of parenting gone horribly wrong? And why did no one stop her sooner?

The Truth Behind Ruby Franke's is a chilling deep dive into a story of deception, blind faith, and the devastating cost of misplaced trust.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DZ2CK845
• ISBN13: 9798312737608
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.5" x 8.5"