Chad Franke Shares Insights After Mother’s Conviction for Child Abuse
Chad Franke, the son of Ruby Franke, a convicted YouTube mommy blogger, is shedding light on his experiences nearly two years after his mother was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for aggravated child abuse. In a series of TikTok videos, Chad discusses his past and reflects on his upbringing, emphasizing the psychological impact of his mother’s actions.
Why It Matters
This development not only highlights the ongoing fallout from Ruby Franke’s highly publicized case but also raises questions about parental influence and the repercussions of abusive practices under the guise of parenting. Chad’s revelations may serve as a cautionary tale about the complexities of familial relationships affected by manipulation and abuse.
Key Developments
- Chad Franke is sharing his experiences through diary entries from 2023 on TikTok.
- He describes feeling “brainwashed” by his mother’s strict parenting style.
- Chad has received requests from followers for a book about his experiences but prefers to share his story directly.
- He reflects on daily activities and conversations with Ruby Franke, providing insight into their relationship.
- Chad’s mother, Ruby Franke, was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse.
Full Report
Chad’s Reflections
In his initial TikTok video, Chad introduces himself and candidly recalls his feelings of being manipulated by his mother. He mentions that he has been inundated with requests to document his story in book form, although he expresses reluctance, stating he does not consider himself a skilled writer. Instead, Chad highlights that he has kept a journal, which he intends to use for sharing his narrative.
As he begins reading from his journal, Chad recounts a day in January 2023, describing a church visit, playing video games, and cooking a dish known as “funeral potatoes” with his roommates. The conversation he had with his mother during that time focused on difficult topics, including “removing lust.” He shares his personal goals, including furthering his spiritual studies and pursuing coding courses, which reflect his struggles with balancing personal accountability and his mother’s influence.
Insights on Religious and Personal Growth
Chad emphasizes that not all aspects of his upbringing were negative, asserting that many of his religious practices and discussions were beneficial. He makes it clear that sharing his story is not meant to vilify every element of his past but rather to provide a nuanced view of his journey. His reflections underscore the challenges of breaking free from learned behaviors, particularly regarding his role as a lifeguard where he grapples with feelings of compassion versus lust.
The Fallout from Ruby Franke’s Actions
Ruby Franke’s rise to fame began with the family’s YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” where they garnered millions of followers. However, the channel’s reputation deteriorated following revelations of abusive disciplinary practices, including Chad’s account of severe punishment. Ruby later partnered with controversial therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, further complicating the family dynamics.
Context & Previous Events
In August 2023, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested after authorities discovered severe neglect and abuse involving two of Franke’s younger children. The investigation was triggered when one of her sons escaped to a neighbor’s house, revealing distressing details about his treatment at home. Both were subsequently sentenced to prison in February 2024 after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated child abuse.
