Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced to Prison w/

[@emilyfrench6839]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Utah MUST change their CPS laws to make Mormon bishops and stake presidents, etc. mandatory reporters. PERIOD.

[@Belibra14]

the problem is that so many if those people don't believe abuse is a thing.

[@michelemiller3798]

That needs to happen, but what it will take is for the Legislature to pass a law that requires religious leaders, bishops, priests, counselors, etc. to report confessions of ANY kind of DV or child abuse/neglect.

[@AnneStewart-oe7rj]

The Mormons OWN Utah. In my opinion, LDS is a beyond-misogynistic, sexually obsessed/repressed Criminal CULT. How many of the Parole Board members are Mormon? They highly recommended Jody as a “counselor,” for YEARS. Jody then turned around and TITHED how many hundreds of thousands of dollars to the (fake) “church.” Kickbacks. LDS is Scientology without the “celebrities.”

[@kristenmae6761]

But they’re not going to tell on themselves now are they?!

[@radybay9088]

Utah legislature is 88% Mormon - it’s never going to happen.

[@rebeccacall7348]

I'm sure the Mormon church breathed a sigh of relief after the sentencing, thinking they slithered their way out of taking accountability, but then BOOM! Adam Paul Steed basically kicked down the door and said, let's not forget Jodi's main supporters and the environment that nurtured her ideals.

[@bodytrainer1crane730]

Adam Paul Steed is gaining confidence!!! I was so impressed with his statement. ❤️❤️❤️

[@bodyfitt67]

I was so shocked when he showed up!!!!

[@khaleesireyna731]

Maybe I'm just a silly goose by nature by my first thought at seeing his statement was just "pop off, king!"

[@Mamaroo92]

Yes!!!! So satisfying hearing him speak up like that 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@margaretberryman6260]

I feel so, so sorry for what Jodi did to him. The 'church' sounds liable, too. What a piece of work Jodi is.

[@Pepperfam]

Adam needs an award by the President he’s my favorite whistleblower!!! The work he’s done against the predators at boy scouts covered by the church now Jodi covered again by the church. He is helping not only abuse victims of boy scouts but now the countless children who not just abused by Jodi, but had their fathers framed and taken away from them!

[@othersheep5491]

And he powerfully assisted in changing Idaho laws to better support and aid children and other victims of abuse, even against all kinds of ridiculous push back. His experience flows over to expose problems regarding privacy and abusive, expensive practices supported by his church that are clinically proven to be poor practices. Everyone’s safety and sanity has been lifted due to this man’s brave actions. He walks his talk.

[@tj6930]

Yes! Adam needs to be recognized for his work for sure! He is a true hero, and an inspiration to anyone who knows his story. After I watched him here, I went to file charges on my abuser, because of Adam! Then several other people followed me in filing the complaint. We can’t really do anything to him- but the reports are filed. He knows we aren’t hiding anymore.

[@butterflygirl2285]

IMO - Why are some Mormon church members unable to report abuse including that of a sexual nature? Of course, these crimes occur in all religions and societies of the world. However, the reason I mention it is that many appear to sanction such crimes, and it is an open secret within this denomination. .

[@RosesandBlingPapercrafts]

Adam is a hero!! There needs to be a class action against Jodi and the Mormon church in the state of Utah!

[@butterflygirl2285]

IMO - Yes, I agree. It's my understand that the church leaders knew all about Jodi, but still recommended her to potential therapy clients. If true that is truly evil.

[@leapingkitties]

Jodi sat there listening to the judge still looking like "why are we here why am I here, I did nothing wrong"! She loves the children? Give me a break. She's only sorry she got caught.

[@Mscalberts]

Exactly. I felt so gross listening to her load of BS!

[@bambam4x]

Exactly, Jodi has no feelings. She couldn't even read a statement. Made by her lawyer to sound like she meant it was horrific!!

[@radybay9088]

She can’t wait to get out of prison and start getting those referral’s from the church again.

[@cuccidatta]

Jodi did not own anything..I think she is severely delusional

[@lesliekupchanko5001]

She really did look that way. Dazed.

[@cwb1400]

She can be sorry all she wants, but those kids would still be abused right now had she not been caught. In fact, I truly believe that those kids would be on their way to their deaths.

[@claudettemalespina60]

Did you see the interview today of Adam Steed. He called out how, intangled the mormon chuch is with Jodi hildebrandt. The church needs to be stopped.

[@Notmep]

The cult is worth a trillion dollars, tax free. They own Utah

[@kayladickerson8427]

The judge and jury are all Mormon to!

[@barbaracilley8200]

Yes, the church actually refers couples to her for counseling.

[@norgepolo]

No jury as both plead guilty as part of their plea agreements. The judge is more than likely Mormon.

[@missiris1234]

STOP the Mormon Church now!

[@booswanger3801]

Go Adam!!! Preach it brother!!! I’m so proud of you!!! Dude, you’re my hero!!!! Your voice was heard!!!

[@rianna_banana]

Adam Paul Steed THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING OUT

[@More13Feen]

I am glad he got to speak, I hope something sticks!

[@sageisnotaplant99]

So nice to see Adam Steed speaking out against Jodi. He’s been through so much and I’m glad that this is justice for him in a way too

[@amyv.6279]

I call BS on Ruby all of a sudden seeing the error of her ways . Saying she basically was brainwashed by Jodi. You have to remember people were calling her out on 8 passengers site for being unusually harsh with her children. People including some family members were reporting her. This was all pre Jodi Hildebrand.

[@lvega5606]

No, it was after she was already working with Hildebrandt.

[@faeriesprout]

@@lvega5606the abuse dates way back. There’s video evidence of her punishing her small kids (ages 2-3 I believe) with refusing feeding them for extended periods of time for making age appropriate messes while she took a nap and left them to themselves. The incident of withholding food from her 5 year old was also prior to Jodi coming into the picture. She also actively humiliated and manipulated her kids in front of the camera for clicks for years before coming into contact with connexions.

[@shakiahsb3896]

​@@faeriesproutThat's incorrect. Eve's scenario was when or after Chad went to the wilderness camp when they were seeking counsel from Jodie. The whole "responsibility" concept that she was enforcing with Eve when she didn't pack their lunch was Jodies key teaching within connections.

[@desiadaven]

Bur the stuff shown on 8 passengers and the stuff the recent stuff at Jodi's house are orders or magnitude apart. I agree that Ruby mistreated her children, perhaps to the point of abuse, but nobody's life was in danger under Jodi got involved.

[@justrachel4496]

Multiple things can be true at once. I think we can all agree she was a harsh and/or abusive parent before Jodi. But "I think having my kid skip a meal to learn responsibility is ok" or "I think taking away my kids' possessions is an acceptable punishment", while not healthy or great ideas, are pervasive in USA culture and typical of many parents. These ideas, while they can cause emotional harm obviously, also don't put anyone at risk of death as the parenting after Jodi did. "I think it's ok to tie up my child to drive out his demons and rub spices into the wounds I created" was a SIGNIFICANT escalation which most parents, even strict ones, would never consider - and that (as far as we know) ONLY happened after Jodi's influence on Ruby. IMHO, speaking as someone who was abused as a kid, while some of the things before Jodi were abusive, they were not even comparable to what happened after Jodi, and it's insulting to insinuate that a kid skipping a meal or losing phone privileges with the misguided goal of teaching them adult skills is in the same league of mistreatment as anything in the criminal charges.

[@Travelling_with_my_dog]

Kudos to that reporter for giving her mic to Adam, and for asking a few clarifying questions.

[@missiris1234]

All the best to Adam Steed. What a great guy, he needs his own channel. Thanks to Lauren and John D. Great coverage of this story. I think Jody will get many years behind bars.

[@winniecross4579]

Adam was so brilliant! He should feel empowered. He was articulate and clear. I'm so glad the reporter understood and let him keep the mic. and followed him up.

[@jennydiver100]

Thank you Lauren, for reminding everyone about Pam. Pam scares me.

[@khaleesireyna731]

Pam needs to be investigated. Just call the investigators a colonoscopy, because they should be up her a$$ about all of this rn.

[@amylouise9853]

It was great to see Adam getting to speak out

[@msullivan3531]

I am so grateful I saw the interview with Adam S before you had to take it down. It was so powerful. His experience will stay with me forever.

[@KelseyDrummer]

There's a re-upload on KZbin thankfully. His voice needs to be heard.

[@AbiFisk]

Adam Paul Steed is incredibly brave and I was so glad to see him speaking out today. Jodi's statement😲 utterly outraged. Just sick and wrong.

[@terahmcintosh2815]

You could feel the release from Adam in his statements, and im glad he was given the opportunity. I hope he does not experience a negative legal impact from what he said.

[@bamaQT99]

The Defense Attorney is so right! Jodi is NOT THE PERSON PORTRAYED!!!!! SHE IS SO MUCH WORSE! One word EVIL!

[@homegown1234]

I saw this issue about child abuse - and I immediately realized she wormed herself to get paid by Ruby Franke but can't understand Ruby being convinced about Jodi method of parenting? I would not allow it. Jodi is narcissistic evil woman trying to manipulate the situation of a family. I would have kicked her butt a long time ago.

[@christinabeck9316]

I am skeptical about Ruby’s apology because she does a full ‘apology tour’, flattering each person she dealt with, including the judge and his staff…..feels like sociopathic manipulation.

[@winniethepoohdebb]

💯

[@rainydayjane8257]

I find her so gross and insincere.I hope the judge sees through her. 🙏💔

[@The_Cloth_Surgeon]

Yeah especially given her patterns of behaviour towards her children before she even met Jodi. Don’t get me wrong throw the book at both of them.

[@sunnya8]

It is. She only cried about herself, not while talking about her children.

[@missiris1234]

Yes Ruby is definitely a manipulator.

[@teacup.demitasse]

I *love* that Adam Steed won't be silenced. Preach Adam, preach! For monsters like Jodi Hildebrandt, time for your come to Jesus.

[@nikkulele]

Wow! Go Adam Paul Steed! What courage and passion

[@marciking8052]

Ruby sounded like she was giving a acceptance speech for mother of the year award . She didnt focus on the harm she caused the children. Her children were the victims . By thanking all the extraneous people she sounded insincere. She is looking for that parole forgivness. I hope they see thru her BS

[@homegown1234]

I hate when people are greedy for more money and do the extreme to get more subscribers. I hate these types of people.

[@OmEvul1415]

All they have to do is read Ruby's journal. It's absolutely sickening.

[@tanjabuchholz5314]

I'm so glad people are speaking out against these cruel abusers. I hope more people come forward and expose everyone who helped facilitate these heartless monsters

[@ginaross6382]

Pam was no innocent bystander. Jodi’s niece who was the 1st known victim of horrific child abuse at the hands of her aunt reported that Pam was aware of much of the abusive treatment inflicted by Jodi and did nothing.

[@jude492]

I missed this who is Pam?

[@ginaross6382]

@@jude492Pam was the woman who had Ruby’s two older daughters the day Ruby was arrested. When police removed them Pam minimized her involvement with Jodi’s org. But she was involved going back 10 years or longer when Jodi’s then teenage niece Jessi was horrifically abused when her parents handed her over to the care of her aunt Jodi for a year. Jessi says that Pam was a close friend of Jodi’s back then and knew about the abuse she suffered.

[@Teajay21]

Just a small correction Jessie uses they/them pronouns 😊

[@Writer777-wanna_be.]

@@ginaross6382 I think they… re opened Jessi’s case, so Pam may have to be confronted

[@christinarodriguez7843]

Pam is also the one who had the girls scrubbing her floors and cleaning her house. Can you imagine having someone else's teenage daughters over to scrub your floors? She's not in any way innocent in my eyes and the fact that Ruby apologized for dragging her name through the mud shows her apology is calculated and fake. Her adult kids are done with her and I'm sure the younger ones will be too. Remember how she so arrogantly told the world "I'm not going anywhere?" Bye bye Ruby, that jail uniform really suits her and so will prison where even convicts have a code. Child abusers and sexually predators don't do very well in prison.

[@MagdaD0118]

Bravo Adam Steed. I viewed the initial interview with him on this channel prior to the cease and desist letter. His interview was heartbreaking.

[@BrokeStudentBeauty]

I loved Adam's statement! I'm so glad to see him again, I was very upset that his interview had to be taken down. It was such an important and brave thing to share. I hope this can be the start of a new chapter for him and can provide some closure and peace for him.

[@sunshineandapples2128]

I’m glad I saw the MSP with Adam Steed before it was taken down. Hope it gets restored, very powerful.

[@Teajay21]

Yes I watched all of it and I'm glad I did before it was removed. It was so powerful.

[@brittanysralla1673]

FOUR YEARS???? In what world is that even REMOTELY long enough?

[@mormonstories]

Minimum. Final number isn’t released yet.

[@theresathelen7670]

I think Jody’s behavior w directly affect her time. The lack of remorse should add time to her sentence

[@marciking8052]

Ruby sounds like she is giving an acceptance speech for mother of the year award . Mama DUCK???? She terrified her children and this speech did not address her monstrous acts

[@Mommadragon1976]

​@@marciking8052 I know, right?! I was thinking about the same thing! Unbelievable!

[@abby7038]

I highly doubt it will be four years. Four years is just the minimum. She has a 30 year max and the parole board actually determines the sentencing. It’s done weird in Utah. But the parole board will hear the statement she made. They will also hear the jail calls of her blaming the children. I think they meet with them about a year into their sentence to discuss what they think appropriate range is. While that can be adjusted during her prison stay.. I think she will do a big chunk of time for what she’s done. (Im talking about Jodi- Ruby may serve way less time than Jodi..)

[@dnlhrrng]

Love Adam Steed not being afraid to name-drop and call out Jodi's history and connections.

[@MrPuglove13]

She forgot to thank Joseph Smith!

[@sheliabryant3997]

@MrPug. X 93 million!

[@ashleyaddison-black4848]

😅😂😅

[@lesliekupchanko5001]

Ha ha

[@maryray5059]

Adam Paul Steed's short little speech on the courthouse steps brought me to deeply grateful tears. Kudos to him for speaking for every silenced, shamed, and shunned victim of people like Hildebrandt and their cohorts. I am currently dealing witha serious predator out here in So Cal who has preyed upon and destroyed multiple people's lives including my children's and myself . For years this man called himself a "reverend" but when challenged on his fraud, lies, obvious contradictions and blatant abuse of people who rented from him, he set out to Destroy ! Nothing 'Godly' about him. Praise be to our Truth Seekers may God protect them all !

[@VerticalGastricSleeveSuccess]

Anyone who is ordained should hold the legal obligation to be a mandatory reporter. Period. Lauren is AMAZING - new subscriber here and excited to watch.

[@jerrimichael499]

This is sad, infuriating and awful. So glad you both are here to provide clarity and truth. I appreciate both of your shows.

[@Marellenmac1964]

The courage of RF saved him and EF. I'm so glad that his will to live overcame his circumstances. If he hadn't escaped, those disgusting women may have actually murdered those kids.

[@BenSwagnerd]

I just hope they can heal. I got out of an abusive situation that was nothing compared to what happened to these kids. And I'm in my 30s and many years removed from it now. But sometimes there are still days where I feel like it'd be easier if I didn't survive it. Those kids went through much worse than I did. I hope they get access to resources and people who are actually qualified to help (and not a therapist as damaging as Jodi) so they can be whole and happy as soon as possible. Just because they got out doesn't mean it's gonna be an easy road. Being safe physically doesn't guarantee that they're safe mentally. What was done can't be undone. I really really hope they can move forward and find peace.

[@tanithschneider3051]

@@BenSwagnerdI don’t know how they do. It just breaks my heart to imagine it. If I had a super power, it would be to end c/a so they never have the trauma to begin with, but if that was too much to ask, I would want the power to take away all the pain and guilt and self hatred kids suffer when this happens to them. It is not their fault but the guilt and shame she subjected them to is a huge hurdle to overcome.

[@cartergomez5390]

We also need to stop child trafficking because it's happening everyday but we don't see it 😭

[@kittybear9693]

I really think so and I can’t imagine how screwed up their lives are going to be forever as a result of this

[@kittybear9693]

She didn’t say anything about her sisters gimme a freaking break

[@vlong5537]

They are equally culpable. Ruby was abusing her kids long before she met Jodi. Do not believe either of them has remorse despite Ruby's whining. Both horrible people and grotesque abusers. Hope they spend 30 years. To Ruby: YOU are the evil.

[@AmyRuby]

I would say that Ruby used Jodi as a justification for behaviour. That statement was Emmy award winning. I think that Jodi deserves more time for her credentials and pattern of behaviour but Ruby sounds like she’s going to get four years, and I think she should be in prison at least until her youngest is 18 years old.

[@shakiahsb3896]

No, she wasn't. The wilderness camp they send Chad to was when Jodie was his counsellor, the door being taken off his room and him not having a bed to sleep on was also after the wilderness camp when seeking counsel from Jodie. Eve not being given lunch and need to be "responsible" was Jodies teachings, especially within connections. I watched the videos from the very beginning, and you could literally see a shift in Ruby's parenting the moment they got "guidance" for Chad and then the rest of the family. It just came to light in 2020, and then Jodie took a more forefront role in their life. Investing in them specifically (AKA using Ruby's family for their channel and fame to build connections). All this to say Ruby should 100% be held responsible and it's disgraceful and disgusting what she allowed as a mother.

[@mstringham]

She thanked her bishop and stake president, how much did they know about the abuse and didn’t report it?

[@athanksgivingbaby570]

They've probably been providing spiritual services - but it hasn't been that long ago that LDS bishops were referring families to Jodi.

[@kissykay07]

@@athanksgivingbaby570you’re right and I think it’s very important that this not be over looked.

[@sarahbornhorst7072]

Pls watch the interview today from Adam Steed!!!! The Mormon church is 100% in on it

[@radybay9088]

I’m sure that with their high level “discernment”they were blind to the real problems. They were probably too busy chasing down the coffee drinkers and the LGBTQ people.

[@justrachel4496]

To me it sounded like they did know, since she implied they gave her advice which she didn't take. Hard to give advice on a situation if you don't know there is a situation at all.

[@jennydiver100]

I dont think people lack empathy, i think they found the apology less than sincere.

[@kpanyc]

Yes, it's about keeping our empathy with the victims and not falling for the con their abuser is so very well schooled at working on people.

[@bonnieschoenemandilley3416]

So disturbing! She has no remorse, a true psychopath

[@caseyjude5472]

Jodi’s phone calls referenced in court-who was she talking to that was (probably) agreeing with her?! Like how Chad Daybell still has fans & supporters, who was Jodi talking to, what were they planning? Someone from the church? Are they trying to help her to hide her money & assets from her victims? Will the church be able to avoid any blowback from this? Will any of the press outside the court or elsewhere take Adam’s invitation to teach them who Jodi is? Will any reporters be willing to publish any stories about Jodi’s long established & deep-rooted connection to the church? I have questions & concerns about all this.

[@Teajay21]

I think it was probably the assistant Pam but that's just speculation

[@dawnStone-p6g]

Ruby sounded like she was giving an acceptance speech. What a distorted person!!!!!

[@jewelgazer]

“and I’d like to thank my sponsors and the academy”

[@joycewedel9084]

Let's not forget the horrific abuse that she also did to her niece & why did that girls parents allow that?? I'm sure they knew Jodys ways & how she disciplined by abuse. They should be jailed too!

[@emilybrumbaugh7242]

Also, she didn't get emotional until she started to refer to her husband.

[@sharlahart986]

I'm so impressed with Adam Paul Steed and his parents. Integrity personified.

[@peggynorman3358]

wow just wow this guy needs to be heard...everywhere

[@xochitlkitty]

I stopped giving Ruby the benefit of the doubt when she only admitted the last 4 years of abuse. She was abusing her children for years, and she’s not apologizing for that.

[@60clow]

Did anyone else catch that Ruby mentioned she never was paid a dime by Jody? She was never her partner and that she was paying Jodi?? I knew that Jodi was charging Ruby for her “therapy” with her kids, HORRIFIC.

[@anitacrumbly]

John you are so sweet, but once you have been around a narcissist for any amount of time you learn to second guess their most well acted apologies because behind closed doors you see it's all been an act to ensure that people love them.

[@chewyjello1]

YES, THIS 👆

[@Radioposting]

Adam Paul Steed crushes it. Talk about a world class b* slap. I hope the "brehren" are paying attention.

[@cindelhiort]

I'm so glad I got to see your video with Adam Paul Steed before you had to take it down. It was definitely powerful and provided a LOT of context.

[@karenalford-willett6205]

I am so glad I got to see the interview with Adam before it was taken down. Powerful stuff!

[@deb_1234]

What blows my mind is the church excommunicated Natasha Helfer for following research based best practices with her clients and she is a licensed counselor in good standing. But they refer members to Jody? That is messed up. I think the leaders need a wake up call to see their distorted thinking and the harm they are doing.

[@jeromics]

The best coverage of this case is by mormon stories and hidden true crime. I love that the two of you were working together.

[@ScottJB]

I think we ExMormons have a tendency not to trust emotional displays because we know how false/manipulative they can be. That said, I admire John's empathy and willingness to offer the benefit of the doubt pending more evidence.

[@koolmoedeesimpson3905]

The reason that people doubt the sincerity of Ruby Franke’s statement and apology is the fault of Ruby Franke. She demonstrated her physical, mental, and emotional abuse and manipulation right here on her KZbin channel, and she profited from it. Not everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, and not everyone deserves forgiveness. Those are two things that have to be earned.

[@tanithschneider3051]

She is performative. She is behaving the way a narcissist thinks the world will see her in the best light. I can not offer empathy. I can offer pity because she had it all and her twisted heart not only threw it all away, destroyed the lives of her children in the process. She’s pathetic.

[@tanithschneider3051]

And it is not on us to forgive her. That is for her children to decide for themselves. I hope they do have it in them to forgive her but only if it would be the best for them. That being said, having it in them to forgive, to me, would just be a testament to their strength. If they said, yeah, nah thanks. I’m going to stay salty, Bravo!

[@shakiahsb3896]

No, she wasn't. The wilderness camp they send Chad to was when Jodie was his counsellor, the door being taken off his room and him not having a bed to sleep on was also after the wilderness camp when seeking counsel from Jodie. Eve not being given lunch and need to be "responsible" was Jodies teachings, especially within connections. I watched the videos from the very beginning, and you could literally see a shift in Ruby's parenting the moment they got "guidance" for Chad and then the rest of the family. It just came to light in 2020, and then Jodie took a more forefront role in their life. Investing in them specifically (AKA using Ruby's family for their channel and fame to build connections). All this to say Ruby should 100% be held responsible and it's disgraceful and disgusting what she allowed as a mother.

[@barbaracilley8200]

Brian Tibet’s was on Mormon Stories Podcast. Brian and his wife were referred by the Mormon Church staff to Jodi Hildebrant for couples counseling. Watch what happened to their family and what Jodi told them to do. I have been to counseling but I’ve never experienced anything like this couple did. The title of the podcast is, “Jodi Hildebrant ruined my marriage.”

[@karukun0212]

The family that I married into back in 1981 so resembles all of this; long journey out, but I watch this and remember. This is more common than anyone is saying.

[@moiraslater8526]

Yes, I am so surprised that the many professionals interviewed about this case state it is "the worst incidence of child abuse they have come across". I don't get that! Where have they been? Child abuse in so many forms is happening in every 4th house in every street...

[@lindarhoades698]

Did you see the gentleman victim who spoke after the press conference regarding years of abuse from Hildebrand. I believe Hildebrand needs to be investigated further over the 15 yrs in conjunction with the Mormon church abusing children.

[@Teajay21]

Yes they did a long interview with Adam Paul Steed where he told his whole story but they unfortunately had to take it down for legal reasons (to do with his ex who was manipulated by Jodi) but they know him very well.

[@lindarhoades698]

@@Teajay21 thank you

[@Teajay21]

​@@lindarhoades698He also appeared on the hidden true crime podcast so you can get some of his story.

[@Mscalberts]

Amen Adam! So glad you could get all that out💞. So sorry for you and all of Jodi's victims 😢❤🙏.

[@gailstarchuk7846]

Adam Paul Steed!!!! keep going! So brave and we're so proud of you!!!! Let's get all those involved!!!! 💪❤️

[@NanaTop70]

Adam Steed deserves so so much praise and I wish him to be able to find peace and happiness after all he has been thru. I also pray that for his children and family.

[@ginabethcairns4955]

I don't think Ruby should get out of jail until her youngest child is an adult. I dont want her to get out and force child visitations with the kids she abused. If her adult children want a relationship with their mom, thats up to them. Her minor kids can visit her in jail if and only if they want to.

[@Confused2023]

Great point 💯

[@chewyjello1]

They should all be adults AND feel healed enough that her release will not cause them fear or emotional pain. That might take until they are adults, or take their entire lives.

[@butterflygirl2285]

IMO - Ruby is delightful and respectful? You have to be kidding me.... I don't trust this woman one bit. She is doing everything she can to get out of this self created mess in front of the judge.

[@lisak5804]

Ruby never said that she was sorry for saying those things about her kids in reference about them being a danger around other kids.

[@teresaromanski3925]

Yes, I wonder why the court didn't bring that up during the sentencing because it casts a shadow over him, even though it was just for her to not to have to take responsibility for her actions. She never apologized to her children while she was thanking everyone for helping her take responsibility for herself, because she never would have stopped if she wasn't caught. Her bad actions started before Jodi so she really didn't own up to anything. I wonder what went on in her parent's household, and probably continues in her siblings households, that made it alright to shame and punish her children the way she did? I hope the lightbulb goes on in her head at some point, and Kevin's too.

[@KurtMathews-ko6rc]

I watched the Adam interview and I grew up in Pocatello and it was an important story to tell and I’m thankful I got to hear it.

[@Lisa-mw6te]

Jodi will misbehave in prison, imo, so maybe she will earn more time. Ruby will whine and get devout penpals. They are both despicable.

[@sandygrogg1203]

We love Lauren. She and her husband are very much worth watching, and I’m glad to see you’re here today to talk about a very important subject. Thank you.

[@kacklina]

Im so happy Kevin is not having the custody, and Chad, that was a happy surprise, after not knowing how he felt about everything. I really hope Kevin gets charged at a point. For me Ruby has not credibility because she is just talking about remorse around the abuse that took her to court, not all the abuse she was ok showing to the world before Jodi, the abuse she had committed to her older children, she and Kevin were brutal with Chad, the only abuse she can regret is just the abuse that got her in trouble, but she abused all her kids more, even if somehow what we know about the younger is so much worse that what was shown in the camera before, is just hard to believe her. (Edit) Adam is a king!

[@khaleesireyna731]

Chad cracked me up with that tiktok because that is the *exact* kind of stuff I've done in response to some of the messed up stuff in my life. Stay petty, Chad. Stay petty!

[@shakiahsb3896]

No, she wasn't. The wilderness camp they send Chad to was when Jodie was his counsellor, the door being taken off his room and him not having a bed to sleep on was also after the wilderness camp when seeking counsel from Jodie. Eve not being given lunch and need to be "responsible" was Jodies teachings, especially within connections. I watched the videos from the very beginning, and you could literally see a shift in Ruby's parenting the moment they got "guidance" for Chad and then the rest of the family. It just came to light in 2020, and then Jodie took a more forefront role in their life. Investing in them specifically (AKA using Ruby's family for their channel and fame to build connections). All this to say Ruby should 100% be held responsible and it's disgraceful and disgusting what she allowed as a mother.

[@greenfairy4894]

She abused children. She was cruel and heartless and she should thank her lucky stars no children died because they could have

[@desiadaven]

How do we know none did?!?! The records are lacking so much info.

[@greenfairy4894]

@@desiadaven I thought it as I wrote it. We really don’t know

[@loveandbeauty]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to give someone the benefit of the doubt but that doesn't mean that Ruby wasn't laying on a full performance with her statement and was finding ways to distance herself from what she did. She was still their mother, there was no actual feeling. Jodi spoke words, but at least she didn't lie about being sorry. She's not remorseful per the phone calls and is dangerous to more people and has a long track record because of her place as a therapist. She also distanced herself with her language. They both hold the same culpability for different reasons.

[@bekind758]

Love having you two collaborate-I learn so much on both your channels. Have enormous respect for you both.Thank you!

[@Saritabanana]

Ruby was just doing a "BANG-UP job" at her Sunday testimony. Right? She learned that sh!t in childhood.

[@petrarovscek7621]

I'm sorry but which American journalist doesn't know who Adam Paul Steed is? I'm from Slovenia, Europe, definitely not a journalist and I've seen him in at least three interviews. This guy is huge. What he did, is HUGE. His dad and mum (that I ADORE for standing up for their son, even though this should be a rule, not an exception) are ICONS and should be celebrated. Their courage is unprecedented. I applaud and admire . P.S. I saw the interview on Mormon stories podcast before it was taken down and I was I awe. Still am. Bravo.

[@suellenmishki]

Adam Paul Steed!!!👏👏👏

[@susankennedy7280]

Thank you Adam please write a book about this despicable woman

[@shelleymays8529]

I sincerely hope these children are truly getting the help they need. Jodi should never have a license. Ruby obviously has no maternal instincts. How does a mom, torture her children. She was a crap mom, long before Hillebrandt came along. Evidenced by all the videos. I'm glad the older kids are doing as best as they can. I'm hoping they are getting proper mental health as well. I'm wondering if the church had a hand in their acquiescence, to pleading guilty. A lot more would of come out about the church, if they had gone to trial.

[@CDMButterfly]

It makes me wonder if the mormon church made a backroom deal with Ruby and Jodi.

[@kelellisa]

❤❤❤Adam❤❤❤ So much love for this brave man - he and his wife and kids deserve only good from now on

[@orisonorchards4251]

Adam Steed brings the tea! I hope the clip of him commandeering the microphone needs to go viral!

[@laurarutherford7297]

Great coverage, guys. Adam dropped the mic! Thanks for this.

[@lindsyfish6704]

Okay, here's my take on Hildebrandt, given my experience as both a survivour of abuse and as a former legal professional myself: 1. Her lawyer 100% told her that if she doesn't plead to it and she's convicted that the judge will slap her with an extra hefty sentence for forcing those kids to go through testifying at trial. I can confirm how horrible that is as an adult, because I testified against both my ex husband and an ostensible friend who raped me. I still have intrusive memories about both those days and I'm grateful for the chosen family who made sure I was safe and where I couldn't be found for a week after the latter. As a child, one of my abusers plead to their charges. So all I did was sit in an office and play with toys. But given how it was for me as an adult, yeah, no one deserves that. Least of all someone who is trying to heal. 2. As with Franke, Hildebrant's lawyer said typical legal talk. Of course he's going to say she's been mischaracterized. She's been on her very best behaviour since her arrest because she knows full well that she's going away for a long time if she acts like a freaking lunatic in front of her lawyer. She's also had enough time in the County lockup to hear the stories from others and to feel her humanity slipping away. She is very much incentivized to say whatever she thinks will get her a better sentence. 3. I don't trust her or Franke's contrition for the same reason torture is the absolute worst way of getting the truth out of someone: people will say absolutely anything to make the pain stop. County lockup treats people worse than cattle. Prison treats people marginally better. But I'm pretty sure they're aware that if they're a media sensation they might end up in the Secure Housing Unit (SHU)/The Hole/Solitary Confinement so they're not harmed while in prison. And, oh yeah, they're a media sensation! 4 years in the SHU is way less bad than the maximum possible sentence under the law. So of course they're going to say mea culpa and confess and express contrition like Good Christian Women are taught to. Those women are a lot of things. Stupid is not one of them.

[@sheliabryant3997]

@lindsy. Okay; point taken. Hard call; but appreciated. Some of us are "slow learners" in these matters, having experienced abuse ourselves and while not becoming abusers, still struggle with sympathizing with them. That can't be an "all-or-nothing" clearance of mind. But we can learn to disassociate from them and run at the very first little whiff of DEEP-ROT, once we've learned to identify it. Will always be vulnerable to unwarranted sympathy, though. And that is like having one- or maybe half - a leg. It just is.

[@jennydiver100]

Also, there are not two sides to child abuse cases. Period.

[@Confused2023]

💯

[@lisak5804]

Im so happy Adam got that mic 💜💜💜

[@downy1202]

I thought she was getting an award for all the thanks she gave out.

[@barbaracilley8200]

Kevin was as bad as Ruby. I along with many other have seen him sit right next to Ruby and agree with her punishment. He agreed to send their son to that behavioral camp in the mountains or woods someplace. Their son did not deserve that.

[@shakiahsb3896]

The wilderness camp they send Chad to was when Jodie was his counsellor, the door being taken off his room and him not having a bed to sleep on was also after the wilderness camp when seeking counsel from Jodie. Jodie was a registered Therapist in Utah, so of course they believed it was okay!Eve not being given lunch and need to be "responsible" was Jodies teachings, especially within connections. I watched the videos from the very beginning, and you could literally see a shift in Ruby's parenting the moment they got "guidance" for Chad and then the rest of the family. It just came to light in 2020, and then Jodie took a more forefront role in their life. Investing in them specifically (AKA using Ruby's family for their channel and fame to build connections). All this to say Ruby should 100% be held responsible and it's disgraceful and disgusting what she allowed as a mother.

[@homegown1234]

That is what I figured out that Kevin may be responsible for not being available for his children too.

[@joycewedel9084]

Kevin should be accountable because I'm sure Ruby was abusing the kid's since they were toddlers when Kevin was always there for numerous years before they separated so he saw & knew what was going on & participated as well.

[@purpleyeti7440]

Ruby Franke needs to be locked away for the rest of her miserable life. I truly hope she never gets to see any of her children ever again

[@booswanger3801]

Better yet, I hope her children NEVER want to see her again.

[@sallymiller4973]

Thank you ADAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@anna-marie-]

John & Lauren make such an amazing duo. Both bring unique insights that bounce off each other. Look forward to more collaborations. But careful Lauren, I am worried you will get ex communicated with some of your eyebrow raises!!

[@ginaross6382]

The apologies to her family came across to me as more sincere then the apologies to her own children.

[@cygnelle1232]

Exactly! You know what it reminded me of? A certain un-sweaty prince who, in an effort to be "too honorable" ended up "letting the side down." Lol! Those are PR concerns, not remorse for the harms caused to survivors.

[@MrPuglove13]

Much Love and Redpect to Adam Paul Steed.

[@valerietrott2630]

IMO one of the main reasons I don’t believe Ruby Frankis apology speech is she stated she now realizes she was indoctrinated, etc. with evil beliefs, etc and there is NO WAY she deconstructed all her beliefs while in jail with no therapy, no info re what is mind control, there’s no way she undid all that mind kcuf on her own and now is truly remorseful for her actions and NOW realizes it was all so wrong. She lies like a rug.

[@sharkofjoy]

There's not been enough time to deconstruct, but you can definitely have that shock of realizing you were completely wrong and have been believing wrong things that hurt people. People can begin to "wake up", I hear it all of the time from people who leave cults. You have a moment where all of the stories you told yourself to make it make sense stop working. That doesn't mean she understands everything. But she might have started to wake up. She probably doesn't fully comprehend what's happened, but she might understand it on some level. She's had her life completely destroyed. She's had genuine opportunity to reflect that her world view was false and fragile.

[@Adnarim00]

I appreciate John’s tendency to view people as human beings, even those like R. Franke. She is still a human being, regardless of what she’s done.

[@xarla16]

I think that the argument that Ruby should have a lighter sentence for her cooperation is flawed. In my mind she had a greater duty to protect HER children which makes her actions at a minimum equal to those of Jodi.

[@annem5899]

Adam Steed is amazing honest and his speech was so powerful .

[@Georgie3463]

Pam had Ruby's children cleaning her house when the kids were picked up by LE. Pam stated the kids wanted to do that and 3njoyed cleaning house. What????? That doesn't sound like any child I have ever known. My mother never asked me to clean her friend's house. It's ridiculous! I think Pam is more involved than we know right now.

[@AndImsomelady-fq6cw]

I don’t know, if the other choice to hang out with Jodi at her house, I know what I would prefer.

[@Georgie3463]

@@AndImsomelady-fq6cw Of course! I'm just saying that I found it weird that Ruby sent her kids to clean someone else's house. And then Pam said the kids liked to do that. Really? I don't think so

[@AndImsomelady-fq6cw]

@@Georgie3463 it is weird. I have paid some kids in my family to help clean my house, because they wanted to find a way to earn money.

[@Georgie3463]

@@AndImsomelady-fq6cw I get that. But these kids weren't getting paid. Supposedly, they liked cleaning house. I just don't believe that for a second

[@AndImsomelady-fq6cw]

@@Georgie3463 I don’t think they did either.

[@reneewsorenson]

Good for you Adam Paul Steed good to see you standing for good.

[@dawnvarty657]

The thing I don't hear commented on is the neighbor saying "there have been problems with previously". What had been reported previously about that residence? Does anyone know?

[@Plant12day]

Good for that prosecutor to invite Adam! And to the front row!

[@colleenoneil9153]

"Go on to live beautiful lives." These children are going to have the most challenging and difficult lives, with horrific PTSD. There's nothing beautiful about what they will have to process and work through. What a monster!

[@SCORPIUSANCTUM]

WOW best part was Adam's vindication & validation💙💙💙!!!!!! I definitely lurched and almost threw up in my mouth when HildaBundy said she loved the kids...🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@jewelgazer]

Franke is probably crying because she does not want to return to her teeny tiny jail cell, plus she doesn’t like the food. But she was sure able to curl her hair for today along with putting on some makeup, just like Lori Vallow.