Chad Franke, son of the former YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, has recently revealed poignant emotions regarding his relationship with his mother, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for child abuse. In July 2024, Ruby Franke, known for her family-oriented YouTube channel “8 Passengers”, was sentenced to a term of between 4 and 60 years for aggravated child abuse, a decision that marked a dramatic turn in the life of her family and followers.
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In a compelling display of nostalgia, Chad, now a teenager, shared a short film on TikTok titled “Never Forget”. The video amalgamates heartwarming childhood clips with poignant moments of him watching these videos today, visibly overcome with emotion. In the film, Chad logs into his mother’s computer to access a folder labelled “Never Forget”, inadvertently taking viewers on a journey through his memories. Scenes depict moments from his infancy, including learning to ride a bike, emblematic of a relationship now enveloped in complexity and heartache.
Chad’s relationship with Ruby, who co-hosted the controversial podcast “Moms of Truth” alongside family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, has been publicly scrutinised. Their partnership was famed for promoting unconventional parenting techniques, leading to a significant following but also substantial criticism. Despite the serious allegations against her, Chad has expressed a willingness to engage with his past while navigating the emotional landscape of their relationship.
Despite her incarceration, Chad disclosed earlier this year that Ruby continues to communicate with him, penning letters from prison. This correspondence remains a lifeline for the young man, who has taken to social media to share diary entries reflecting on their relationship. These glimpses into his personal journey reveal a struggle to reconcile love for his mother while processing the ramifications of her actions.
Ruby’s troubles escalated following her separation from her husband, Kevin Franke, who has since been granted full custody of their four children. Reports indicated that during this tumultuous period, Ruby and Hildebrandt allegedly left Ruby’s teenage daughters unsupervised for extended periods, raising grave concerns about the welfare of the children. The police were alerted multiple times regarding the family’s safety, culminating in a critical incident in August 2023 when Ruby’s youngest son, Russell, fled from Hildebrandt’s home in search of help.
The aftermath of Ruby’s arrest in late 2023 saw immediate repercussions for the family. Kevin Franke, concerned for the welfare of his children, initiated divorce proceedings, which concluded in 2025. In the legal agreement, he was awarded full custody, ensuring that the children would remain protected from any further harm.
Chad’s emotional video and ongoing narrative serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in familial bonds, especially under trying circumstances. He skillfully captured the nuances of love, disappointment, and the longing for connection through his short film, which has resonated with viewers on social media. With every post, he appears to navigate the delicate balance of acknowledging his mother’s transgressions while also honouring the boyhood memories he cherishes.
As the ordeal unfolds, the Franke family story continues to draw attention not only for its shocking elements but also for the deep emotional threads that bind them together. Through Chad’s perspective, audiences gain insight into a young man’s struggle to understand a parent’s choices while dealing with the fallout of those actions, inviting broader discussions on forgiveness, resilience, and the lengths we go to in preserving family ties.
The narrative remains ongoing, as Chad continues to engage with his followers, revealing both the pain of loss and the hope for healing. As he shares his journey, it serves as a powerful testament to the enduring connection between a mother and her son, even in the most challenging circumstances.