Jodi Hildebrandt, Convicted of Child Abuse with Family Vlogger Ruby Franke, Accused of Waging ‘Psychological Warfare,’ Says Niece

Jodi Hildebrandt, who was convicted alongside family vlogger Ruby Franke of child abuse, is now publicly accused by her own niece of orchestrating a decade-long campaign of psychological and physical torment. Jessi Hildebrandt, who lived with her aunt as a teenager, describes harrowing experiences of manipulation, isolation, and torture, offering a stark and personal perspective on the abuse that shocked viewers of the widely known case.

Testimony from Within the Family

Jessi Hildebrandt, appearing in the new four-part docuseries "Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence," shares intimate details of their time living with Jodi in the late 2000s. Initially hopeful that Jodi’s professional therapy and familial role would help them, Jessi recounts descending into a nightmare of emotional, spiritual, and physical abuse. The allegations include being duct-taped, tied up, blindfolded, and isolated for long hours daily.

Psychological Warfare and Control

Jessi describes how Jodi exerted control through “the Jodi method,” a series of harsh disciplinary tactics and extreme psychological manipulation supposedly purposed to “fight for their soul.” Jessi recalls being repeatedly told they were possessed by Satan and that Jodi, acting as an instrument of Jesus, was saving them. This mentality led to severe punishments meant to make life “uncomfortable” enough to “force the sin out,” including forcing Jessi to sleep outside in the snow and forbidding normal interactions.

The Abuse Behind the Internet Facade

Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke’s parenting advice had a massive online following, especially through Franke’s YouTube channel “8 Passengers.” Their methods, earlier criticized for controversial discipline tactics, were later revealed to extend into severe abuse behind closed doors. Jessi alleges that much of the cruel behavior and “parenting ideas” were shaped and promoted by Jodi, with Ruby complicit as her business partner.

Family Dynamics and Legal Consequences

Jodi and Ruby were arrested in August 2023 after Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped their home, leading to police discovery of severe neglect and abuse of Franke’s children. Both women pleaded guilty and received prison sentences ranging from four to 30 years on multiple counts of felony child abuse. Jessi’s testimony underscores the breadth of Jodi’s influence and abusive control that spanned beyond Franke’s household.

Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness

Jessi hopes that their story brings attention to the dark realities hidden beneath the surface of seemingly helpful parenting influencers. The docuseries aims to expose the extent of abuse under the guise of therapeutic guidance and encourages vigilance about similar cases. The revelations serve as a sobering reminder of how grooming and psychological abuse can devastate lives, even within family settings.