In this Podcast, Lancer Media reporters Caroline Tucker and Daniel Apau talk about the details gathered from the Hulu “IMPACT x NIGHTLINE: Ruby Franke: A Momfluencers Double Life?” documentary. The documentary is a deep dive into the Ruby Franke and Jodie Hildebrandt case.
Cases such as this happen more than some believe. So the question is: why was this specific case so popular on social media? The particular family on which this case centers has been in the public spotlight since early 2015. It was at this time Ruby Franke created her YouTube channel called “8 Passengers.”
“8 Passengers” started off as a family-friendly channel for kids to watch and primarily posted simple vlogs of the family’s daily routine. However, Franke’s behavior towards her children became concerning to older viewers.
Lancer High School junior Cara Morgan discusses her opinions on the show and the surrounding controversy. She is well-versed in what has occurred since she was one of the many early viewers of ‘8 passengers’ when the channel was a hit on YouTube.
Morgan shares her point of view from the moment she first found out about the case against Franke. While the parent behavior on the show may have been shocking to some older viewers, Morgan, who watched when she was younger never picked up on Franke’s questionable treatment of her kids. Younger viewers, like Morgan, just believed it was strict parenting not actual abuse. On August 30th, however, it became clear that she was, in fact, an abusive mother. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on six felony counts.
Franke was not alone in her actions, though. Jodi Hildebrandt, friend of Franke, has been labeled by many as the real puppet master while Franke is just the puppet. Some believe Franke became even more strict towards her kids after Hildebrandt walked into her life.
Reporters Apau and Tucker discuss the important details of the case. Those interested in hearing about the entire case can watch “IMPACT x NIGHTLINE: Ruby Franke: A Momfluencers Double Life?” on Hulu.
Music Credit: “Historical Moments 60 Seconds” by WeVideo.
