Chad Franke Alleges Punishments from Mom Ruby Franke

Chad Franke shares disturbing details about the abuse he endured from his mother Ruby Franke, the former 8 Passengers YouTuber.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 3:39pm

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In a series of TikTok videos, Chad Franke, the son of former 8 Passengers YouTuber Ruby Franke, is revealing more about the punishments he endured while living with his mother. Chad has shared that Ruby would force him to sleep on a beanbag as punishment for talking back, as well as take away his bathroom door to deny him privacy. In 2024, Ruby was sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for aggravated child abuse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality that some children face abuse and neglect from their own parents, even those who present a seemingly normal family life on social media. Chad's revelations shed light on the trauma he experienced and the need for greater awareness and support for victims of child abuse.

The details

In his TikTok videos, Chad Franke is participating in a viral trend where users mouth the words "Shut up, mom" to reflect on things their parents have done that annoyed them. Chad's videos include text overlay stating that his mother, Ruby, would force him to sleep on a beanbag as punishment for talking back, and that she would also take away his bathroom door to deny him privacy. Chad also revealed that Ruby told him God would "strike" him down if he made out with a girl.

  • In 2015, Chad's mother Ruby Franke began posting videos of her six children on her YouTube channel 8 Passengers.
  • In 2022, Ruby began working with controversial family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, and the two started hosting a podcast and Instagram account called 'Moms of Truth'.
  • Around the same time in 2022, Ruby separated from her husband Kevin and moved into Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, often leaving her two teenage daughters alone for weeks.
  • In August 2023, authorities were notified after Ruby's youngest son, then-12-year-old Russell, escaped Hildebrandt's home and went to a neighbor's house seeking help.
  • In 2024, Ruby Franke was sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for aggravated child abuse.

The players

Chad Franke

The son of former 8 Passengers YouTuber Ruby Franke, who is revealing disturbing details about the abuse he endured from his mother.

Ruby Franke

The former 8 Passengers YouTuber who was sentenced to up to 60 years in prison in 2024 for aggravated child abuse against her children, including Chad.

Kevin Franke

The husband of Ruby Franke who filed for divorce after her arrest and was given full custody of their four children.

Jodi Hildebrandt

The controversial family therapist who worked with Ruby Franke and hosted a podcast and Instagram account called 'Moms of Truth' with her.

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What they’re saying

“Talk back to me again and you're sleeping on the beanbag.”

— Ruby Franke, Mother

“I'm taking away your bathroom door so you don't have privacy.”

— Ruby Franke, Mother

“God would 'strike' him down if he made out with a girl.”

— Ruby Franke, Mother

What’s next

The judge in Ruby Franke's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the disturbing reality that some children face severe abuse and neglect from their own parents, even those who present a seemingly normal family life on social media. Chad's revelations shed light on the trauma he experienced and the need for greater awareness and support for victims of child abuse.