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DISGRACED vlogger Ruby Franke’s traumatized husband has revealed the bitter questions that still haunt him after his wife abused their youngest children.
Kevin Franke explained why he’s still married to his convicted wife in a bombshell interview where he broke down how therapist Jodi Hildebrandt was able to tear their family apart.
The dad of six opened up about his relationship with Ruby, 43, as he discussed the incoming Hulu documentary Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.
Ruby was arrested on child abuse charges in September 2023 after her 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s home in rural Utah and begged a neighbor for food and water.
She and Hildebrandt, who she made parenting advice videos with, pleaded guilty to the charges in December of that year and was sentenced to four to 60 years in prison in February.
One year after her sentencing, Kevin revealed that he is actually still married to his estranged wife and explained why he hadn’t finalized a divorce.
“As of today, I’m still working through the divorce,” he told People.
“We’re still trying to reach a settlement. It’s been a long process, well over a year, but it’s ongoing. I’m still technically married.”
Kevin said that Ruby “burned bridges” that can’t be repaired, but said that he still feels love for her and remembers the good times they shared in their 20-year marriage.
“I truly did and still do love her,” he said.
However, he admitted that they were not in contact, as he asked her to stop writing him letters from prison.
“That doesn’t excuse what she did, and that doesn’t excuse what she did to hurt our children and to hurt me,” the heartbroken dad said.
HILDEBRANDT’S TRICK
Kevin was driven out of their family by Hildebrandt, who moved into their family home and eventually kicked the patriarch out of his own bed.
Before they met, Ruby had amassed millions of followers on her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, where she gave an inside look at life as a Mormon mom of six.
The rising star eventually bonded with Hildebrandt over parenting tips, and the two started making advice videos for the therapist’s brand ConneXions.
But as they grew closer, the family say their relationship took a twisted turn, with Hildebrandt controlling Ruby’s every move.
Ruby’s oldest daughter Shari even insinuated that their relationship could have become sexual in her memoir The House of My Mother.
Franke’s horrific punishments for children
Starting in May 2023, disgraced YouTuber Ruby Franke journaled about the punishments she imposed on her children.
She appeared to justify the abuse by referring to “Satanic choices” and “the devil’s” influences on her kids’ actions.
Some of the horrific punishments detailed in the journal include:
- Poking her children with cactus needles
- Pouring cold water on the kids
- Whipping with a towel or belt
- Forcing them to stand in the hot sun
- Forcibly dunking her son in the pool
- Forcing them to sleep on the ground
- Restricting food
Kevin explained that their family trusted Hildebrandt, as she was a Christian counselor who insisted she wanted what was best for the family.
She worked with some of their children one-on-one, like the second oldest, Chad, who saw her as a mentor.
The dad was hesitant about her influence on Ruby at first but started following Hildebrandt’s teachings when she said their marriage was at risk.
The counselor continually told the dad that he was selfish and needed to challenge himself for the sake of his faith and his family.
By the time she proposed the couple separate and work on themselves, Kevin thought it was the best solution.
When asked why he didn’t stand up for himself or his kids as Hildebrant took over, Kevin said, “If I dwell on that question, it eats me alive.”
