Evil Influencer: The Horrifying Case of Jodi Hildebrandt & Ruby Franke

To millions of subscribers, Ruby Franke was the ultimate “super-mom,” the face of the popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers. Her life seemed like a masterclass in organized parenting and wholesome values. But behind the suburban perfection lay a chilling reality: Ruby had fallen under the spell of Jodi Hildebrandt, a lifestyle coach who used faith as a tool for isolation and systematic abuse. In the summer of 2023, the world watched in shock as the facade of the “perfect family” crumbled. 

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker and director of Evil Influencer, Skye Borgman, discusses the layers of Jodi Hildebrandt’s manipulation.

Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno

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