US women who gave parenting tips on YouTube charged with abuse

Franke’s now defunct “8 Passengers” YouTube site, in which she and husband Kevin shared experiences raising their six children, offered lessons in strict discipline – so strict that many viewers had complained previously. — Image by fabrikasimf on Freepik

WASHINGTON: A Utah woman who once provided parenting advice to more than two million YouTube followers remained in custody on Sept 2, charged with child abuse after her “emaciated” son escaped to look for food, officials said.

Both Ruby Franke and her business partner and collaborator Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested, according to a statement from the public safety department of Ivins, a small town in southwestern Utah.