This case from the US proves all too well that not all that glitters is gold on social networks. Ex-influencer Ruby Franke gave acclaimed parenting tips on Instagram and presented herself as a real super mother: she abused two of her six children, made them work and starve until one son was finally able to escape from ‘home’.
Most so-called social media influencers successfully trick their followers using Photoshop or Snapchat filters to present themselves as flawlessly as possible – while simultaneously showcasing their products and advertising lucrative corporate partnerships. In short: to make money.
Two million followers have been misled
Ruby Franke didn’t specialize in makeup or fitness; she presented her followers with an ideal family idyll. To the outside world, the so-called model mother led a perfect family life and provided more than two million followers with sometimes controversial parenting tips.
But away from the camera, which perfectly captured children’s birthdays, sunny family vacations and other milestones, she starved and abused her two eldest children.
Mother isolated the child and made him toil
She allegedly ‘tortured’ her son (12) and made him work for hours in the scorching heat in the summer. It is said that he was often deprived of food. Books, electronic devices such as a mobile phone and even social contacts were taboo for the adolescent.
Ruby allegedly kicked him and held his head under water. Spicy: Almost two years ago, a user posted under one of the child’s photos: “He always has dark circles under his eyes and looks sad. I don’t think the poor boy is happy!’
Child handcuffed
The boy is said to have tried to escape after another attack in the summer, but was unsuccessful. Franke allegedly tied his feet and handcuffed him. According to “BILD”, she explained to the child that it was an “act of love”. The nine-year-old daughter, who thought her mother was ‘possessed’ and ‘evil’, is said to have experienced something similar.
After an act of violence in August, the 12-year-old son was finally able to escape to a neighbor. He showed up emaciated and had tape around his ankles. The man who confided in the child called the police.
Husband has filed for divorce
“With my deepest regret and sadness for my family and my children, Ruby ultimately pleaded guilty on December 18 in prison garb in court in St. George, Utah.
Her four youngest children are in state custody. Ruby is charged with six counts of child abuse. Her husband has filed for divorce.
Source: Krone
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