Utah Mom Youtuber Ruby Frankie Arrested for Severe Child Abuse | Criminal Lawyer Reacts

[@megorex630]

She said that children don’t deserve unconditional love… yet she expects it from her kids. I hope she’s never let out.

[@Creepystalker102]

Good point, how on earth are they supposed to do something that they have never seen modeled?

[@jimreilly917]

Yes.

[@Godzilla00X]

Narcissists expect the be treated like royalty but can't even comprehend thinking about others

[@bluspirit5602]

Well to be fair kids nor parents deserve unconditional love

[@megorex630]

@@Godzilla00X so true. My ex husband was a narcissistic social and pathological liar… and he really did gaslight me to the point where I felt crazy so I just gave up and just became a “yes man”

[@Hossak]

Bruce talking about how his dad used to beat him and how he never did the same to his kids - he is just extra awesome :)

[@pattimaeda6097]

Then by interpolation I’m “awesome” too - same happened to me and I didn’t hit my kid either

[@Hossak]

Yup - you're awesome.@@pattimaeda6097

[@lisahesslink2267]

@@pattimaeda6097 Yes you are - violence in families often tends to continue over generations. SO good for you.

[@sallonemia]

@@pattimaeda6097 yeah you are! stopping the cycle of abuse is an awesome act.

[@grayaj23]

@@pattimaeda6097 Bonafide awesome!

[@shannon2003]

Thank you for your speech on not hitting children. I was beaten and slapped and had a broken arm from my parents. I’m 71 and it still haunts me.

[@musicismagic3001]

I am so sorry that happened to you. 😢 You never, ever could deserve that. You are loved. ((Hugs))💕

[@dpav02]

This is so sad to read. But thank you for saying it. 71 and still dealing with childhood trauma. That’s so sad :/ I hope you can find peace.

[@jenniferfriesen7691]

I’m sorry you went through that.

[@bobtaylor170]

❤ I'm so sorry.

[@katella]

Let's face it, hardly anyone gets the therapy they need. People do the best they can and muddle along, unhappy and triggered and isolated. Please vote for universal healthcare. Please.

[@MeredithCarmona]

This case is extremely heartbreaking. The food denial really got to me. I cant imagine treating my 8 year old the way that these children were treated.

[@AndrewTheVikings]

I just got a word that she pleaded guilty four counts of aggravated child abuse. She later pleaded not guilty to two other counts. Franke is due to be sentenced on February 20, 2024.

[@LlamaLlamaMamaJamaac]

The 911 call is absolutely devastating to listen to… you can hear that man struggling to keep it together. And apparently the child chose that neighbor to run to because they had given his family Christmas cookies in the past - so thought they would be kind and helpful. 😭😭😭

[@katie29baj]

When I first heard it and that poor caller's voice kept cracking, like he was trying so hard to keep it together in front of the boy, my heart just broke for him 😰

[@11terie]

Nope, not gonna listen to anything other than Bruce - n fast forwarded through the charges after hearing part of them.... unbelievable cruelty to any child, MUCH LESS ONE's OWN KIDS!!!!! 🤬🤬🤬

[@patriciagazey4693]

Wow

[@RendaJane]

The favor Russell asked for was to be taken to jail. He didn’t even ask for food and water. The neighbors found that to be obvious and fed him. But the kid was told he would end up in jail and believed he deserved it. 😢

[@santiagoaavalos5876]

Hearing you speak about the abuse that you went through with your dad and then seeing how well you treat your son is such a powerful revelation. You really broke the cycle of abuse, and it is so beautiful to witness. Gives me hope for the future. You are an incredible man.

[@Prettypeachylife]

This is so upsetting. I have worked in a school and have seen so many children whose parents withhold food as punishment. Most end up being food obsessed. Hoarding food because they have no idea when they will eat again. They steal. It’s horrific what some parents do to their babies.

[@KiaOra-wu7gb]

“Love should never ever been withheld as a punishment”. So well said, “love for your child should be unconditional”.

[@TeddyBear-ii4yc]

I thought you either love someone or you don't and it's not something you can turn on or off like a tap. That said, if you repeatedly whack the souls of their feet you can get kids to say anything! 🙂

[@sacredcoaching5107]

When my kids were little , I’d take something away, and one rule is I never ever punished while angry!!! EVER. Did I get angry ? Yes! But wouldn’t while angry. This woman is FD UP!! And records it?

[@debbrown9365]

Bruce you are a real man. Nuff said

[@justlooking4771]

❤❤❤

[@RendaJane]

After everything she did, her parental rights apparently have not been terminated. And she could be out soon.

[@RealBlazeheart]

As a kid(Still a kid but won’t be next month) I dealt with CPS and the only reason I got out was because my therapist told them to take me and my siblings. Then they finally put me in foster care. It took literal years. I didn’t even experience abuse to THIS extent. I’m glad this is reaching people because awareness needs to be spread about it. Thank you for covering this.

[@Crowfist]

Hate to tell ya but i turn 30 in a month and i gotta say you got about 5 or 10 more years of bein a kid :)

[@molls0922]

Sounds like you had to grow up too fast due to circumstances and that you’re a really good sibling. Be gentle with yourself, brave sweet soul. Your mind isn’t fully developed until about 25 so technically you may not be a kid as of soon, but it’s ok to not be full grown adult.❤

[@yourconnection9303]

Be the best you can possibly be now. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Make it a fantastic one. Fulfill your dreams. As for your parents, don't be bitter, be better - than them! Sending you healing, strength and great vibes...

[@PaulKulha]

@@CrowfistI turn 33 in a month and I was a man at 22, maybe we’ve lived different lives, everyone has different experiences

[@RealBlazeheart]

@@Crowfist thank you!

[@mermaid3363]

As a licensed mental health professional who works to counsel children, thank you for speaking out against corporal punishment. Hitting a child only models using physical violence to solve issues.

[@justinlast2lastharder749]

There is a massive difference between spanking and abusing a child. You aren't trying to inflict damage spanking a child, you are trying to get their attention. If your intention is to cause pain and damage, that is when it becomes abuse.

[@jodiforeman3314]

mommy dearest is not dead

[@emilykelly5253]

And kids are pretty smart, my son is 4 and so I flicked him back and he looked at me and said "you're not supposed to do things that hurt other people, my flicks don't hurt you." I had to apologize but he didn't give me time out.

[@joannholmes8726]

As an adult, my brother would say really loud, "STOP ABUSING THAT CHILD" when we were in the store shopping. Mom's would grab kids by their arms, lifting them by their fragile limbs, squeezing their hands hard and yell at them. His "pet peeve" I learned later about how much physical abuse he endured. I didn't see it, I was a baby when it happened. These people are just sadistic and sick. Thank you for your work @mermaid3363.

[@firmfire2385]

​@@justinlast2lastharder749this. People really need to learn the difference. This no corporal punishment bullshit is what makes spoiled little shits that think their are no real consequences for their actions. Weird as hell that it's even being mixed. Spanking is not abusing and is a god given right to parents. It happens in all different ways throught nature.

[@carolcooke2624]

Thank you Bruce for stating never hit a child. Spare the rod spoil the child is bull$hit. How much counseling will these children need for years.

[@HolldollMcG]

Also, I was born and raised in Utah. And to be charged with CA of any kind there means it has to be really bad. Attitudes in Utah are generally "parents can raise their kids how they want. Sometimes life need a beating" and a lot of law enforcement abuse their kids, so they more willing to look the other way. So for this case to even have charges means it was next level bad.

[@lokienvy]

Thanks for the insight. I've heard anecdotes about CA in Utah, usually regarding LDS church members and wondered how it was handled over there.

[@Jtevkicksandcards]

I heard utah is all mormons on some cult like stuff

[@traceymcswain4354]

​@@lokienvyI think they are LDS.

[@Lucaz99]

@@traceymcswain4354they were all LDS at some point but Jodi’s ConneXions cult was trying to break away from the LDS.

[@katie29baj]

​@@traceymcswain4354 you are correct. And if you look into the background of Jodi she was the recommended "therapist" by the church and LDS Bishops when members were having martial issues. The stories from several husbands about the ramifications of her "therapy" are horrid. But she was protected by the church and I believe she served as counselor to a bishop. Another channel I watch has been following this for awhile and she's done a few videos on this topic & really did a deep dive and found interviews that these husbands gave and the stories are all the same. Made the wives separate from their husbands with NO CONTACT with wife AND CHILDREN! She actually did the same thing to Ruby & Kevin (I think that's his name?) (Christina Randall is the other channel, if you're interested) The fact that her own sisters publicly said they've been waiting for this to happen and it needed to happen, speaks volumes! The oldest kids are 20 & 18 (and then 16 & 14, then the 12 year old boy and the girl that was also found at Hildebrandt's home and they are all in custody of DFCS and the father has retained a lawyer to get them back) Provided he's innocent in any prior abuse.

[@Mycatbrownie]

I was a preschool teacher for over 20 years. We had mandatory classes every year as part of state licensing. Not just CRR and first aid but how children develop and age appropriate behavior. One thing I have learned about is bad behavior or what we think bad behavior is. When a young child does something wrong it’s usually because that’s what they do at that age. Hitting another child or not sharing is just something they have to learn. Redirecting works very well. Lying is something that all young children and teens do. If you’re with a child in a child care setting or if it’s your own child if you’re in tune with them most often you can tell when they’re lying and you can talk to them about it. I could always tell when my son was lying because he couldn’t help but smile. My grandson is lying when he talks in a higher voice about something he did wrong 😂. My point is children misbehave all the time but stop to think of their age when you discipline. Teenagers will take out their anger and frustrations on their parents. They do it because it’s a safe place and they can’t do it at school or in other settings. They might not have the tools or maturity to handle their emotions. Talking and listening, helping them work out their problems is the best thing we can do. Punishment at any age is not always appropriate. I have worked with various age groups and the one thing I always do is think of my children and how I would want them to be treated. Children are such a joy and should always be treated with respect and love.

[@djadja6357]

I love how close you and your son are. It's so wholesome. Your a great man and parent!

[@salis-salis]

Thank you for your words on corporal punishment regarding children. It's is still legal to beat your kids almost all around the world, which is a shame. Corporal punishment for those who hurt kids, not for the kids...

[@amandatyler4324]

My mom thinks kids who run out into the street should be spanked. Well if a kid doesn’t have enough self control to stay out of the street, shouldn’t it be the PARENT who should be spanked for letting their kid run out in the street?!

[@junglekimmy3611]

Im so happy to live in a country where It's illegal to beat kids. Me and many more.with me believe that spanking and all other stuff is outdated. America should get in to the 21 century. 🙂

[@penispensar9071]

@@amandatyler4324I mean, sometimes your kid, for whatever reason, is a runner due to no fault of the parent. Sometimes kids are really stupid. I don’t think you should jump straight to spanking, but if your kid keeps trying to kamikaze themselves in traffic and no amount of talking is getting through to them, sometimes a shock (light spanking after the try running in front of a semi) might be enough to make their little monkey brains recognise danger without having a hospital trip, or god forbid, a funeral. I’m anti-spanking 99% of the time, but with young kids especially, they just don’t have the reasoning capacity to “talk it out”. Spanking a kid because they broke a vase? Hell no. Slapping your toddlers hands away because they try to give themselves third degree burns on a stove? That’s just common sense.

[@penispensar9071]

I once got out of the house somehow when I was a toddler, and when my mom ran out to find me in a panic I felt bad and never did it again. Hitting me at that point wouldve just confused me. But for some reason I was damned determined to pick up every lit candle around me no matter how many times I was told no. Only thing that stopped me was when I picked up one too heavy and poured scalding wax all over myself- definitely would have preferred the spanking 😬

[@MrJamiez]

Only 2 dollars. Bro broke

[@gayletaira1763]

"Duct tape is not a parenting tool."😂😂😂 Thanks, Bruce, for acknowledging that even though it takes nerves of steel to be a parent, duct tape is not a parenting tool. Child abuse is just awful.

[@blackdandelion5549]

The things we need to put on labels bc someone is an idiot. . . . . . ."Duct tape is not intended to be used as a parenting tool".

[@jenjins]

I'd be very interested to hear Bruce's thoughts on the Karen Read case.

[@cupcake1406]

If a person duct tapes anyone to restrain them then that is a crime. I believe Ruby is an evil psychopath. She needs to be punished severely her hideous crimes.

[@donnahughes8409]

I absolutely agree with you anybody that duck tapes anybody at any age that is a crime much less a child duck taped this is devastating. And you can’t tell me as many followers, that she had that one of the mothers out of all of her followers could’ve figured out what kind of a person this woman was and reported her before now.

[@aliceiscalling]

​@@donnahughes8409 People did report her, but CPS did nothing. It's really devastating that nothing was done even after she was investigated so many times.

[@orisatalabi]

Agreed on all fronts. However, the children escaped from the "therapist's" (Jodi's) house. These sadistic tactics of "discipline" are among Jodi's sick ideas of parenting tactics. Ruby was terrible before she became Jodi' Hilderbrandt's acolyte, but she became an unhinged monster under the spelll of that wolf in sheep's clothing. Jodi's history is horrific. Ruby was her mark and still doesn't know it.

[@joannholmes8726]

After the duct tape, were the kids excited about being LICKED? OMG Gross. Chose being licked or duct taped? No!

[@onewiselady6412]

For a lawyer You’re alright For a dad You’re priceless

[@jakeplumber1373]

Why just alright?

[@PrayThenHustle]

I have 3 kids it has NEVER crossed my mind to NOT feed them something is definitely wrong with that lady😡

[@pheenix135]

My partner regularly goes without food to ensure the kids have enough (I usually do the 'oh I cant eat anymore please finish it' lol it's a whole routine now.) Refusing to feed them is insane to me. Bringing 6 lives into the world and then actively harming them is just unthinkable.

[@ThatGmoney]

10:15 don’t forget the dildo

[@beckajo]

The same with me I go as far to say at bedtime we ask them if they are hungry. We know what its like to go to starving and we refuse to allow it

[@katiebrown118]

You’re a good man Bruce. I wish more dads were like you

[@peterdeane4490]

Since my Dad passed away a few months ago, I've had some pretty deep heart-to-heart talks with my Mom. One of the things she told me recently was that she was terrified of her father when she was growing up. I remember Grandpa as an old grump, but I didn't realize just how bad he had been when his kids were young. I'm very glad that my Mom managed to find the kind, witty man she eventually spent over 70 years with.

[@michelemahon141]

The 2 kids, (12 and 10) who were duct taped, in a basement panic room, in the other woman’s,Jodi, were almost completely isolated in the desert, compound/house. They were actually the ones who didn’t get any presents for Christmas, (5&7 yo I think at the time)not the oldest, but either are just as bad. The 10 yr old girl was still tied up, after her 12 yr old brother escaped to get help from neighbors to “call the police” and food/water. He thought he deserved it but it seems he wanted help for his sister. Jesus, I’m so f*cking sad for them. Ruby made a video describing how she burst out laughing because her 6 yr old daughter (the one who was found tied up with her brother) asked God, during her bedtime prayers, to “let her survive”. Meaning at 6 yrs, that child was begging God to help her to NOT DIE…and that b*tch LAUGHED. The women are cruel, sadistic witches who BOTH actively and intentionally hated her kids to their very cores. Are life sentences even possible for their crimes in these particular cases? Those poor kids are traumatized for life.

[@lesleymay6757]

Agree. What a monsterous devil

[@TheBengineerTV]

Bruce you’re like my KZbin dad, you give the best advice. Please don’t stop the channel.

[@kimmurray9346]

She was being evil out in the open. Imagine what she did behind closed doors 😢

[@Dobviews]

Congrats to Bruce and Michael for reaching 1 mil subs!

[@allybelle7022]

Thank you for being an example of compassion and leadership. It’s refreshing.

[@ArchieRatsworth]

Taking a child's property away, denying food, taping them like a kidnap victim... If you wanted to destroy a person's sense of agency, privacy and belonging and leave them unable to trust or respect themselves, perfect. You're turning kids into ideal future victims or serial killers.

[@healerscreek]

Or mommy killers!

[@luxurypetscz]

yes! she should write a book on how to raise a future abuser.

[@DustinRodriguez1_0]

And she is tying it all to religion, don't forget that! They did a big study of violent sex offenders on death row, looking at the "religiosity" of their childhood situation. Religiosity isn't just like going to church and things, its a measure of how deeply that's tied in to every other aspect of life, like does it control what music you're allowed to listen to, TV you're allowed to watch, books you're allowed to read, etc, how much time out of each week is dedicated to it, are breaking house rules seen as religious sin, etc. They found clear patterns. The more violent the crime, the higher their religiosity was. And the absolute highest religiosity households produced all the violent sex offenders that targeted children.

[@maryjackson1194]

@@DustinRodriguez1_0 Religiosity is another way to describe an external locus of control: the belief that we are blown around by external forces and we are forced to do the things we do...therefore we can never be blamed. We are never responsible for our actions.

[@gergelyvarju6679]

It is obvious to most people, but the problem is: Their content was still popular. Their fans supported this behavior, and most decided these two crones can't be perpetrators, abusers, but they can only be victims because they are women, and they justified this behavior that way. When a lot of viewers validate and support their behavior and there is ideology, etc. to back that up, that is horrifying. People who supported this behavior are morally responsible for the problem, and according to laws in several country they would be also legally responsible, as accessory for the crime, providing moral support and encouragement to the perpetrator to commit the crime. But even where their supporters would be legally responsible it would be practically impossible to prosecute tens of thousands of fans.

[@Bgarza05]

Wow! this is great. Holding bad parents accountable. Not all mothers are parents.

[@ElleGee-fn8ki]

You said “I never realised what real love was until I had a child” 100% I have 5 children. I get no time to myself. But that is my own doing and I am abundantly blessed. My children never asked to be born and it’s my job to nurture them, feed them! And raise them. Bless these children. I hope they are placed somewhere together and they get the trauma counselling they need

[@kellyegan9824]

She’s like a drill instructor, not a mother. She took Christmas away from 2 of the little ones. How could her and the father do that?

[@jakeplumber1373]

Drill seargants arent near this vile. They want the soldiers to succeed.

[@hlolypop]

You’re missing a few things: the mastermind here is Jodi Hildebrandt. She convinced this mother to 1. Distance her husband 2. Trained her in her “therapeutic techniques” so they work together 3. Give over her son and other kids, and was convinced by Jodi that her children are evil SA’ers and “living in distortion” and has repeated this pattern with her own family and other families for YEARS on recommendation from the Mormon church. This is deeper and more messed up than you can imagine. I’m not making excuses for Franke, she willingly put her children in this mess and is just as guilty, but this is f*cked up and rooted in cult beliefs, with a literal psychopath being enabled.

[@rebecca_____]

Franke and her husband were abusing those kids wayyy before Jodi Hildebrandt was in the picture. Sorry but this is a cop out.

[@dalpz205]

Wasn't Hildebrandt arrested or going to be?

[@hlolypop]

@@dalpz205Yes they both were and are facing up to 30+ years. I think no bail, too.

[@dalpz205]

Imagine what Christmas in prison will be like for them. We decided you won't get the one day of a decent meal. You're getting truth. You're welcome.

[@LawNerdAmber]

she was abusive before then, she just found a green light in Jodi

[@julezvonjupiter9362]

Thank you for such a candid review. The two abusers caused a lot of damage to their kids and the many other kids whose parents followed them.

[@Analyticalinadream]

Truth! "I never realized what real love was until I had a child!" My daughter changed my life. I can't imagine what life would have been without her.

[@davidcorbit3931]

Amen Bruce on speaking out against corporal punishment...and the fruits of your larbor are obvious.....Great job !!

[@user-xe5cz3dw8m]

This whole case is heartbreakingly sickening, but it is also one of Bruce's funniest. I love how he can defend atrocities of crime with humor. Think about it; laughter through pain is a great emotion.

[@derickquinlan5116]

This situation is so deeply rooted within extreme Mormonism. The thought of sin and repentance, unworthiness is heavily ingrained. Your thoughts, especially pertaining to culpability as it pertains to church clergy might help others share their own stories as they establish boundaries. Thanks in advance for your insight.

[@kendallneason3645]

I agree Bruce. This case reminds me of the Turpin kids -13 kids whose parents starved and chained up their kids for weeks. 2 of the girls can’t have children and 1 has heart issues from their malnutrition and abuse. The community raised $600,000 that the guardian ad litem never let the kids have access to. She was fired but then the social worker of 5 of the kids placed them in a known dangerous foster home and they were SA’d by the foster father, mother and grown daughter. They got 5 years in prison. The kids finally found a lawyer that is suing the county and childcare foster private company that the state of California used. It’s another heartbreaking case. Hard to believe there are parents so evil out there.

[@RogerLewis-ey2tt]

Tyvm for sharing, Bruce -- and for your PERFECT example of an abused kid who becomes wise by identifying, and NOT copying, the abuser's example. You really are a self-made man.

[@deborahw6860]

Sounds like the mother is a expert in child abuser !!!! Hope the mother goes to prison where she can get a taste of what her children went through !!!!!

[@limeamoeba7664]

Sadly most women in women’s prisons actually don’t fuck up child abusers. Many of them are mothers who had children taken away for abuse or being put into Environments that aren’t safe :(

[@schneewitschen101]

My mom used to hold basic needs over my head all the time, for really petty mistakes. Mostly shelter, but sometimes food. And guess what? She TAUGHT parenting classes, so I don’t have much faith in those either. I think a therapist would be an excellent option for her

[@kerrynicholls6683]

Sorry 😢 , as a victim of adult abuse, physically and mentally. I can’t deal with this, it’s extremely triggering. So upset for these poor children. Nobody deserves to be abused, especially not children. I hope they don’t get put in another bad situation, and I wish them the best for the future. Much Love ❤️ from Australia 🇦🇺

[@elizabethnorris1298]

So glad to hear you don’t believe in hitting children!! I’m a firm believer in never hitting children! It left me with nothing but trauma! Our son was never hit and he is one of the most amazing 21 year old men you could ever meet. Kid has a heart of gold!🥰 I’m beyond proud of the man I raised using simple communication not my hands.

[@Brandon-pi4hg]

The way this woman talks down to them brings me back to dealing with my step mother when I was younger. You can just feel the psychopath oozing off of her just in the way she talks

[@edwardranno7119]

I never hit my kids and they never gave me a reason to be mad ! Maybe I was lucky 🍀.these people are insane!!!

[@patriciahall2223]

This woman conducts herself like this to all her subscribers and I wonder did any of them question her behaviour towards her children ? She is a walking time bomb , the husband needs to be held accountable ....thank goodness she was denied bail .....my heart goes out to these children .....thank you both Bruce & Michael 🇨🇦

[@RasereiHojo]

There were petitions by viewers to get CPS involved. At one point, someone was successful and CPS did visit, but found nothing that caused them concern.

[@fractal4284]

Observing that woman and her body language when she discusses disciplining her children makes me feel quite disturbed. It's evident in her eyes and facial expressions that there's so much wickedness in her.. just look how she rolls her eyes about the bedroom being taken away wtf

[@marie_d8044]

She’s a sadist and a narcissist.

[@mrs.vhorton8045]

Bruce, I absolutely love how you bring recognition to your son Michael Rivers, but at the same time and not him as a grown man not just your son that’s about his business I appreciate that

[@annvassallo2604]

I love your take on children. I agree with ever word you said about them. My children were the best thing that ever happened to me. I couldn't imagine doing ANY of that to them.

[@LittleBit-BG]

Bruce man I can't stop watching you, your take on things is so agreeable to me, it's good knowing their are cool guys like you out there, I could hang with you anytime

[@karenpayne1011]

Reprensible, unbelievable and heartbreaking 💔 Thanks, Bruce Rivers for exposing this!

[@kwest5171]

There's nothing more I want to do than to hug those kids and tell them that they are worthy of love and that their mom's twisted abuse isn't a reflection on them. I suffered severe emotional, mental, and physical abuse as a kid. It never leaves you. You get through it, but it leaves a mark.

[@NicolaMaxwell]

Michael you and your siblings are blessed to have a Father like Bruce. Cherish every day he is on this planet. ❤

[@jenniferfriesen7691]

Bruce, your passion for appropriate, healthy parenting is beautiful.

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Whats frightening is that neighbours and other knew that shit was happening but because of who she was and apparently the religious aspect stopped it really getting looked at .

[@YamiNoSensei13]

From what I've heard, that's pretty common in Mormon communities

[@peripheralparadox4218]

The emotional abuse is worse than the physical.

[@Flaminghamsterboy]

You're absolutely right Bruce. My brother and I grew up in the 80's in South Africa and we indeed did get the rod. It's a christian misconception in my opinion. I have three young adult children and I've never laid a hand on them. Didn't need to. They're great. And I still love my dad. We all get along great now. Thanks to yourself and Michael for the amazing content. Greetings from Durban, South Africa. Cheers Stefan van Emmenis

[@RR-cz1cu]

I agree, it’s a misconception…a staff and rod are meant to guide sheep…not to beat them.

[@superextempman]

Some Christians take that rod part way too literally... It means show your kids that there are consequences for their actions... otherwise they won't be accountable for their actions when they are adults .. It doesn't mean beat your children like a rented mule... Like most things in the Bible it's an allegory

[@rachael9442]

It’s truly heartbreaking how these children were treated and what’s unbelievable is that it was allowed to continue for so long when the evidence was palpable for all to see on her channel. I was abused by my mom and her boyfriend when I was a kid, although not on this scale, but it was still traumatic because I know what it’s like when everyday I was made to be afraid of them and ashamed of myself to the point that I felt worthless. I know what it’s like at age 14 when you try to take your own life because death seems like a better alternative than life living at home. I know what it’s like to not have a voice because no matter how loud you want to scream you are silenced and regarded as the problem. Now, in my thirties, I’ve come a long way with the love and support of my family, friends and husband by my side and a team of mental health professionals who helped me undo that pain and shame but the memories and feelings still linger because it leaves a scar. It may fade over time but never really goes away, especially when it’s still going on and my mom’s ex boyfriend never answered for his cruelty. it scares me that he’s still out there and possibly hurting more children. No child should have to wait till the last minute to be saved. It’s disturbing and sickening that not enough credence was given to get these children out sooner despite the overwhelming proof! I only hope that this case changes how child abuse allegations are handled and taken seriously.

[@eshiestrik2756]

I'm so sorry to hear you went through all that, but I'm so glad that you have a wonderful husband and support now. ❤

[@diablocls55]

Was her ex boyfriend your biological father? Because if I wasn’t with my wife/gf anymore and her current bf/husband was beating on OUR child, I would kill him. Seriously

[@rachael9442]

No he wasn’t. He was just one of the losers she dated after my parents divorce

[@leiler500]

Thanks. I never had a safe parent, and really needed to hear this. There shouldn't even be a statute of limitations on child abuse, because it can take a lifetime for a child to understand how abuse is defined, and then they must recover to the point where they can safely talk about what happened to them. When I tried to talk about my abuser, he used it as an excuse to terrorize my mom.

[@cristyf5431]

Whatching this video, seeing this man try to keep it light and not too heavy, but struggle with the natural emotions this case brings up causes me to like this channel even more than ever. Its good to see a good man talk about serious things and give good parenting advice. That said, i dont think anyone that needs to be told that duct tape isn't a parenting tool probably shouldn't be parenting. At all.

[@colourfulsouls]

I’m a mother to 3 amazing kids (21, 19, 18)- I have never hit them never mind abuse or anything further than that, No physical mental or emotional abuse.. Unfortunately their dad & stepmom don’t follow the same practices of just talking to them.. they have suffered a lot at their hands and not all of my kids see or talk to them anymore, Parentification, pitting them against each other etc.. And I’m still finding out stuff that happened when they were with them

[@americanmade8744]

As an ER nurse I have to tell you that I love your sense of humor. I relate 😂

[@annewrites...8385]

"Children are a blessing." That!

[@nononever3592]

"Can I be a shithead? No, I'm an angel." Thanks for the light moments you bring to tough videos. I was tearing up imagining kids crawling out of that freaking bunker like little prisoners of war. I will never understand a person who raises their hand to a child. And I hate feeling helpless to change things. There will be no happy memories for these kids, and that is mom's doing.

[@nikkis7375]

As a 29 year old adult who was abused my whole life, it’s made me the shell of a person. It affects how I act everyday. Still scared. If someone raises their voice I wrap my arms around myself on instinct and make myself small. It’s triggering. I can’t have fully normal, healthy relationships bc I went from one house being abused to another house being abused worse. I just recently got out this year. The rest of my life in therapy.

[@karenpayne1011]

Appreciate you from NC. Love your work.

[@free7062]

There is something extremely cruel about, withholding food from a child

[@elizabethbarrett5303]

Thank you Bruce for making this video. You are a great dad and genuinely nice person. I am sorry you didn’t get along with your dad, but what he did is never ok. Unfortunately, many people who grow up under those circumstances perpetuate the cycle of abuse. I can tell that those things still affect you. Ruby is a monster. You can tell just by looking at her, she is evil. I really feel so sad for her children. I really hope she goes to jail for a long time.

[@karenlyon2747]

I have been in education for over 30 years. I haven't always been perfect at it, I've had my moments where I've been shrill, or reactive, and even a little scary. But I've also always been reflective, and have known when I need to reset, dial it back. It's been a journey, for sure! As I became more experienced, more confident in my skills, I really developed the ability to help my little ones understand what they did was not acceptable and how they can do better. I give the kiddos in my class choice and the freedom to be who they are. I set clear boundaries so my 4-and 5-year feel they are safe. There are consequences for hurting someone else, or being disrespectful, but that's usually losing a privilege, such as playing in their favorite area. I have had classes of up to 24 kids, and they learn to be self-controlled and to get along with one another, pretty much as a matter of course. Even in my less than great days/years I never hurt a child emotionally or physically. Now, sometimes, all it takes is a look, or me counting to 3 to get them to settle down. If I can do that with a classroom full of kids, then parents of two or three kids should be able to learn to do the same. Full stop. Physical "discipline" makes the "parent" feel like they are in control, but accomplishes nothing in the end. PERIOD.

[@solomon3486]

“Children’s are a fucking blessing.” Angry and passionate at the same time lol

[@fallinstr2098]

Christmas is the most magical time as a child. To withhold that experience for the two youngest kids, and have them sit and watch their siblings get to enjoy it…. And that’s not even the worst part of the things she did… just gross.

[@jacquelinesento425]

I was waiting for you to do a video on this case and it just showed up on my feed yay!!

[@xamilliexx]

LOL @ your reaction to Ruby pretend licking the camera. Love y'all's content - keep up the great work!✨

[@Anyarchy]

You're right about violence alienating you from your kids. When I was 8-14 I got belted, pushed down stairs a few times, made to eat soap, and been deprived of food, all while getting bullied in & out of school and losing my mom (he stole the insurance money too to build a house I wasn't allowed in, I got it back after a legal case). All it did is make my hate my father. I'm 30 now but he's been dead to me for 15+ years.

[@mamanam5387]

I am so glad to hear this! My mother beat the crap out of me too. Later in life, she told me she should have never had children...I am an only child. Anyway, my father shot and killed her and himself in 2017. I never beat my child. Pretty much I could look at him and he would break out in tears. I never wanted to hurt him.

[@CatFish107]

Holy smokes, I agreed so hard with Bruce regarding parenting. He also has great insight into how seeing certain things can affect a person's mind.

[@CatFish107]

But I can't handle watching or hearing much of this. It's bad for my mind to be loaded with anger all day. Kids suffering fuels a rage that I have no healthy way to let out, and I can't do anything for those kids, so I will give the thumbs up for Bruce and Michael, and go watch something else.

[@seattlecathy]

Remember the Turpin kids? After their parents were arrested they ended up in foster care and some were abused. Their lawyers apparently didn’t do their job. It’s tough. Not everyone should be a parent. We should stop questioning people who choose to be childless.

[@michah321]

One of the best, simplest truth, " duct tape isn't a parenting tool"

[@RachelVonLee]

You’re such a good person I’m torn between wishing you were my actual dad or wishing you were my “daddy” 😂😂😂 Just teasing but thank you for the great content and your insight here. You’re a good person and a great father, Bruce.

[@annatanneberger1]

The worst aspect of child abuse, is how the other kids gang up against the victim: taunt the victim and rat him/her out - to show their solidarity with the parents, the powerful people. It is perfectly understandable for a kid to do so. It is a survival mechanism to side with the most powerful. But it is the deepest hurt and betrayal. Perhaps even the most damaging. Because it messes with your mind. They will spend their lives trying to convince you that you deserved it. So best is to just leave and never look back.

[@alisonjennings5053]

I listened to the recording of the 911 call - the male caller actually breaks down when trying to relay information, it broke me... 😭 These 'women' deserve ALL that they get! 🤬

[@FearMyLadyBits]

I've heard from women who did time, that the inmates who were convicted of child abuse were at the very least shunned, at the most jumped (especially if they asked after the other inmates' kids). They might have to put Jody and Ruby in solitary for their own safety.

[@clammer23]

The oldest son, the poor kid that got his room taken away for 7 months got punished for playing a practical joke on his younger brother. They shared a room, so the older brother woke up his younger brother around 4:30am and told him to pack his stuff because they were all going to a surprise trip to Disney World. The younger kid packed a bag, went downstairs with his bag, all dressed up and ready to hop in the van when he found out that it was just a joke. I think it's hilarious, but apparently Ruby didn't. She didn't just take away his room mind you. When this happened, they were in the process of moving into a larger house where the oldest son was going to get the basement bedroom with his own bathroom, and instead Ruby gave it to the brother that got pranked. The older brother had to sleep in the living room or some small area in the new house and he couldn't even sleep on the couch or get an air mattress. He slept on a beanbag for 7 months. That's evil dressed up as "non-abusive loving punishment". FFS! Crazy woman belongs where she is now. And where's the father standing up for the kids. I know they've been separated the past year, but wtf? He tells everyone that he had no idea, as if this type of behavior just started when you left to rent an apartment per your "marriage counselor" instructions - and that lady is an entirely different level of crazy. Go do a deep dive on Ruby Franke. I didn't hear or even know she existed up until about a month ago. As sick and twisted as she seems in this video(and again, another awesome video), she became orders of magnitude worse when that "marriage counselor" entered the scene. Trust me.

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Heart breaking....we couldn't have children and to see her abusing these kids is beyond horrible. 😢 Makes me physically ill...

[@juliehatton1041]

“What the F” that is my line. Everytime you say it I laugh out loud!! Love your humour!!

[@LovelyHope2]

If you were born in the 80’s in a Hispanic household you knew the chancla 🩴 would get you if you ever disrespected your parents. I took a different approach with my children and it yes it takes a lot of communication that they can understand but now that they are older I think taking the phone does the trick 😂 but in a serious note this case had the potential in ending horrible. Bless the little boy that escaped and those who helped him and I hope he and his siblings never have to endure anything like this ever again.

[@aripatterson7892]

Be the kind of person your kids dont want to disappoint.

[@sassgirl]

Thank you Bruce for telling it like it should be said 👊

[@zombieeatslollipop]

My single father would say the exact same things you said at the end of your video and it almost made me cry. We had a very strong bond and I took care of him after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. We did build a very close bond like no other I've ever known, and I'll always be grateful that someone showed me how to love others in that way.

[@sherrybaker3201]

❤

[@monicag3943]

The fact that the little boy who escaped to the neighbor’s feels that the punishments he receives are his fault is absolutely heartbreaking. The children’s physical wounds will eventually heal, but the emotional and mental wounds won’t ever go away. 😢

[@msannthrope1863]

If you can’t outsmart a toddler and have to resort to violence, you’ve got serious problems.

[@jenniferfriesen7691]

The one and only time I tried to spank a child (because I was young and was told to) I just couldn’t. His little face pleading not to be spanked - I sent him out of the room (did not hit him) and threw up. We talked about what happened, I apologized, we discussed why he couldn’t play with my things (something valuable and precious to me was broken). That whole situation haunts me 30+ years later.

[@ashleynoelle999]

you’re an amazing person

[@atasukecetin90]

@@jenniferfriesen7691you did absolutely the right thing. Never think otherwise

[@maryjackson1194]

@@jenniferfriesen7691 Without intending to, you gave him the gift of showing that you could be wrong, you could turn away from doing the wrong thing, and you could apologize. What an incredible lesson -- for both of you! ❤

[@ionevenknou-_-5815]

@jenniferfriesen7691 Oh, I've spanked my children a handful of times and never felt bad about it. There's a line, and actions have consequences. Just my opinion, if you spanked your child out of anger, learn from it and let it go .

[@cleanasdirt6832]

What’s even sadder, she will be treated better in prison, than what her kids were treated in their family home.

[@F35Nerd]

Yup. Given three meals a day, a bed to sleep in, entertainment whenever the guards turn on the TV, and flipping license plates for money to buy stuff at the prison store. And if any of those things are taken away it's a violation of her rights.

[@knewsome47]

General population will teach her a few lessons. Her friend Jodi has brainwashed her in a different direction but she was already crazy.

[@missveronica8393]

I've heard that in the US prison system female child abusers aren't well treated by inmates who know what they are in for, apparently in other places they might be put in a separate section with other abusers etc and don't face the same potential dangers as they could in an American prison. Jodie sounds like the kind of evil manipulator who should be kept gagged because everything they say is just so damn dangerous and evil. The exact thing that she has been doing to other people, literally duct taping their mouths closed, that's what she needs to have done to her now.

[@tammylaronde8593]

She may not escape prison justice.

[@hakeemyo]

@@tammylaronde8593depends how she portrays why she’s in there, no?

[@KathBorup]

The fact that this woman had a huge following/platform is terrifying because It normalises this type of horrendous behaviour. Also why aren't there laws that protect childrens privacy?! They have a right to a childhood without having a camera constantly shoved in their face 😢

[@dwarfchron801]

Seriously. Theres another video of hers not shown in this where she's talking to her youngest son and you can see in his eyes hes thinking "Can't you just talk to me without always shoving your camera in my face?" Its so sad.

[@wdxawwacawc6910]

A large amount of her following was actively contacting police and cps frying to get her away from the children. If you look into it a bit more it's truly insane how long this was going on and how little authorities did

[@BlasianBobbi215]

KZbinr J Aubrey did a video on this woman FOUR YEARS AGO, sounding the alarm. You should give it a watch, because he used footage from the 8 Passengers channel to create his documentary. Two things J Aubrey touched on. The first was he showed footage of this sorry excuse of a mother saying her young daughter “forgot to pack her lunch”, this girl was probably 6 at the time? And when the school called saying hey, she doesn’t have lunch today, you wanna bring her something? This chic told them no! She went on this long winded rant basically saying starving during the day will make her “learn” to pack her own lunch (what kind of disaster will that lunch box look like if you let a small child pack their own lunch? Even I know this, and I don’t have children myself). The second incident, I believe with that same child, she did her homework, but left it on the table, she got distracted and didn’t put it in her book bag. What did “mom” do this time? She threw it in the trash. Like, she held up the clear trash bag with this poor child’s homework clearly visible at the bottom, and her daughter was screaming NO, that’s my homework!

[@StarxLolita]

IL recently passed a law saying the parents have to set aside a portion of the child's earnings if they're in videos a certain amount of hours, similar to laws regarding child actors. I think the fact politicians are acknowledging it and that's all they come up with makes me even angrier. Child acting is something of a necessity unless you want a 30yo playing a toddler. There is no need for child content creators. It needs to be illegal to film your child this often.

[@sasori2425]

A bunch of KZbinrs even before this sounded thr alarm on this, they called it out multiple times but folks who didn't watch their content just assumed it was tough love or standard discipline and the internet folks was making a big stink as per the usual for the unaware.

[@michaelvout7813]

"Duct tape is not a parenting tool." ......You nailed it. Thank you for calling out these dreadful people. A scary thing is that the mother looks like an 'everyday' 'pretty American mom'.

[@dennyspereira8603]

yte racist devil ladies you mean

[@matthewpohl6272]

I cant believe her son asked for food and she straight up told him he didn't need it... that broke my heart.

[@dr.warnemuende7909]

"Duct tape is not a parenting tool." More sound advice from Bruce Rivers! Thank you, Mr. Rivers! This is why we love you so much!

[@JaneHasGame]

I think it's printed right on the packaging.

[@mcnamaraky]

My dad once joked with a teacher that she should duct tape me to the chair if I was causing too much of a problem in class (apparently I was reading *too* much). He never got invited to another parent teacher conference... It was completely sarcastic: my parents never abused me, but the teacher didn't really get that at first lol... it's quite funny in hindsight. If my dad said that today, I might've been taken out of my home.

[@delilah5366]

@@JaneHasGame 😆😆😆

[@EXITLlFE]

*casually sets duct tape back down* "Ehh what?.."

[@Jimothy-723]

its hilarious and disgusting that this actualy has to be said to adults.

[@sammyi2505]

"Views the kids as adversaries" is the best description I have heard about Ruby so far. The ways that she talks about how she deprives her kids of privacy and her whole BS philosophy on "Choices" really highlights how she views her children as conspiring against her. When they disobey the rules, she sees it as an attack on HER to cause HER inconvenience, and not just kids being kids. She should have never had children.

[@Julia-zv8tv]

I think that in another world where Ruby wasn't Mormon and grew up and lived in a secular environment, she would've been childfree, because it's really clear that she doesn't like children at all. And I think that would've been a better world. People who don't like kids and can't find joy in the idea of having children shouldn't have children.

[@sammyi2505]

@@Julia-zv8tv Honestly, I agree. The social pressure applied by the LDS church to have big families is something that I've always found worrisome... Not everybody is built for kids. I also wouldn't be surprised if there's some kind of family trauma or psychological abnormality to explain her extremely short temper. In a podcast, Ruby admitted that the main reason she started the channel was to make *herself* behave in front of the camera. Even her own mother told her that she used to shout a lot at her kids before then. Somebody in her family should have pushed her to get help a whole lot sooner. Family vlogging as emotional repression has got to be the worst idea I've ever heard.

[@jenniferhyde5389]

Mormons again.Laurie Vallow did the worst in that faith and here we have another crazed fool.😮

[@gergelyvarju6679]

@@Julia-zv8tvShe loved the extra attention she got as a mother on social media. Her next KZbin channel will be about surviving her prison sentence and all the unofficial punishment she will get there from her fellow inmates. But someone addicted to attention and some pseudo celebrity status can be very entitled and can see anything and everything as an attack on her status and addiction. Maybe they would even sell the rights to make a movie about it...

[@serenity6415]

Again, my narcissism alarm is going off big-time

[@obercrazychicken]

My father broke the cycle and I'll be forever grateful that he did. He says that, still to this day 30+ years later, he struggles with his impulses of anger.

[@Annie_Annie__]

My dad is the same. He was severely abused as a child. I was talking to him once about punishments and told him that the worst punishment he gave us as kids was “go to your room and think about an appropriate punishment, then when I call for you, come tell me.” I _agonized_ over that. He was surprised. He said that the only reason he did that was because he was so angry that he was afraid he’d hit us, so he wanted us out of sight until he calmed down and could think rationally. Because he wanted to break the cycle. Now, as a result, my kid is a teen and I’ve never been so angry at him that I’ve wanted to hit him. He’s made me mad, but never that mad. I really think a lot of that is because I don’t have the explosive anger issues my dad struggles with because he didn’t hit us.

[@sideways5153]

I live in fear of how I would act if I ever got intoxicated because the abusive behaviors I learned are to this day the first instinct I have when I get upset. I don’t want to hurt anybody, but there’s a part of me that would do it without a second thought. Don’t hit kids. Don’t humiliate them. Don’t convince them that nobody else will love them if they don’t act the way you want. When you do that you’re showing your kids a hammer, and to a kid without any other tools they’ll be seeing lots of things as nails.

[@diane4488]

​@@Annie_Annie__ I'm sure you are spot on.

[@DrOrr]

My dad was abused xually and was neglected he had to fend for himself, he broke the cycle by showing me a ton of love and care, unfortunately I feel he also has a bit of a victim complex.

[@DrOrr]

@@Jack-ld7ku he isn’t a sex offender wdym

[@vzburns1]

Michael Rivers, I hope you realize just how lucky you are to have the father you have. Every time he mentions you his pride in you and his love for you just shines. When he talks about being a dad and his feelings for you reflects how I feel about my kids. When a child grows up and becomes friends with their parent it shows that the parent did something right. ❤ my kids are now adults and they fight over who gets me not who has to take me lol. I tell people that I'm lucky that we genuinely LIKE each other and enjoy spending time with together now THAT is a gift. ❤❤

[@YayWei320]

“What if you’re addicted to child abuse? Do they have a program for that?” Yes, it’s called prison. As someone who also got beaten as a child, I agree, all it does is alienate. I was so scared of my parents growing up I never even told my mom when I got my period. I never told them when I wasn’t feeling well, luckily I was pretty healthy and only had to miss school for illness once in high school, and for some reason it was humiliating for me to tell my parents I didn’t feel well. I couldn’t ask them for basic needs. I was a burden to them and I internalized that to my core from a young age. Even though my relationship with my dad has been repaired and is now better than ever, I still can’t admit to him when I’m not doing great mentally/physically, and it’s hard for me to ask for help. Ruby Franke has done unbelievable damage to those poor kids, and she better sit in jail for a long time for it.

[@alican5695]

I’m so sorry you went through that and am so glad you’re here today. ❤ You didn’t deserve any of that.

[@bookbwitched6823]

I'm so sorry you went thru that horrific experience. If you hear those old abusive lines in your head, if you feel unworthy, my heart is full for you & I hope you can get help to unlock the child still imprisoned by pain & fear. You are a profound gift. You shared your pain here in an elegant & classy way. You have a gift. I hope you have gotten help to deal with that horror & I urge you to consider writing your story or sharing with parent groups. If this is a bit bumpy, I hear the tapes even though I wasn't beaten. Disregard & disapproval hurt & visit long into adulthood. Let alone when you've been beaten so badly there is a shut down of all joy. Sister-Friend, you are worthy of appreciation & approval, of love without pain. My blessings for your safety, your healing, your discovery of the joy you are & the joy you bring.

[@SurplusMarket]

Bruce, you are not just an amazing lawyer, but an amazing person. Thank you for being such an inspiring and kind person.

[@TerryManlove1]

Amen

[@vmno6300]

I grew up with violently abusive parents, I was constantly compared to other children that I was the worst of them all. I was just a small child, terrified of my every day. Whenever I hear Bruce talk so kindly about his son and his deep love he has for him,I feel a little bit of warmth inside, like i sometimes want to pretend he’s talking about me as his own. Goddamit bruce I’ve had a rough day and this made me tear up writing this. I am 37 now and i choose to never speak to them again.