Director Skye Borgman is shedding new light on the disturbing case involving former YouTube parenting influencer Ruby Franke and family counselor Jodi Hildebrandt in her latest documentary, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story.
Franke, once known for documenting family life with her six children on the popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, met Hildebrandt through their shared church community in Utah. At the time, both women were influential voices within their religious circles. Hildebrandt, the founder of the life-coaching organization ConneXions, had built a reputation as a trusted counselor and mentor.
According to the documentary, Hildebrandt gradually became deeply involved in Franke’s personal and family life. What began as guidance rooted in faith and discipline ultimately escalated into extreme control and isolation. Authorities later arrested both women on suspicion of child abuse involving two of Franke’s children, who were eventually rescued from Hildebrandt’s Utah home.
Evil Influencer examines how Hildebrandt rose to prominence with little oversight, the warning signs that went unchallenged, and the series of events that led to the discovery of abuse. The film also highlights the role of online influence, religious authority, and unchecked power in enabling harmful behavior.
In an interview with Tudum, Borgman discussed the challenges of investigating the case and the emotional weight of telling a story involving children and community betrayal. She also addressed what is currently known about the legal status of Hildebrandt and the Franke family, noting that accountability and recovery remain ongoing processes.
The documentary aims not only to recount the case but also to spark conversations about safeguarding children, questioning authority figures, and recognizing red flags within both online spaces and close-knit communities.
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