Mabel Thornton – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com Here today, better tomorrow. Tue, 06 May 2025 17:10:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.3 https://wp-media.familytoday.com/2020/03/favicon.ico Mabel Thornton – FamilyToday https://www.familytoday.com 32 32 Groom Slammed For Ruining Wedding With Cruel Prank: “Humiliating Your Bride Isn’t Funny” https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/groom-slammed-for-ruining-wedding-with-cruel-prank-humiliating-your-bride-isnt-funny/ Tue, 06 May 2025 18:57:04 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71548 Footage of the appalling prank has garnered over 20 million views on X.

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There are pranks — and then there are red flags dressed in a tux.

One groom has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after pulling a so-called “prank” on his wedding day that left his bride humiliated and the internet fuming. The unnamed man, caught on video smashing his wife’s face into their wedding cake, has sparked outrage across social media, with viewers calling his stunt “cruel,” “disrespectful,” and “grounds for annulment.”

In the now-viral clip, the bride, dressed to the nines with flawless hair, makeup, and a stunning white gown, can be seen smiling beside her groom moments before he forcefully shoves her face into the beautifully decorated cake. Purple frosting smears across her face, her expression turning from shock to humiliation as guests react in awkward silence and laughter.

The backlash was immediate. “Humiliating your partner on the most important day of your lives? That’s not love,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Automatic annulment. That’s not a prank, it’s a preview of what’s to come.”

While some may write off the act as a long-standing tradition, others are calling for an end to what they view as a tone-deaf and outdated ritual. According to Brides.com, the tradition of smashing cake into the bride’s face dates back to Ancient Rome, where barley cake was crumbled over a bride’s head to symbolize male dominance and fertility. But today, critics say it does nothing but breed resentment and ruin what should be a treasured memory.

“This isn’t harmless fun — it’s public humiliation wrapped in frosting,” one user commented. And many agree.

This incident isn't an isolated one. In 2022, bride Jade Kennedy shared a similar experience on TikTok, where her husband shoved cake in her face despite her asking him not to. The comments were filled with support for her and calls for divorce. Another newlywed took to Reddit after walking out of her own reception in tears, writing, “This was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives, and he embarrassed me in front of everyone.”

She added that not only was her $500 cake destroyed, but so were her dress, makeup, and sense of joy. “I felt like a joke,” she confessed.

Experts in relationship counseling note that while playful moments can lighten the mood on a big day, disrespectful pranks — especially those that ignore a partner’s boundaries — are serious red flags. “Starting your marriage by publicly shaming your spouse isn’t just immature, it’s deeply unloving,” said one therapist.

In marriage, mutual respect is more important than a laugh, especially when that laugh comes at someone else’s expense.

Let this be a reminder to future grooms (and brides): The wedding cake is for celebrating, not humiliating. Honor your partner, not your ego. Because the sweetest part of marriage should be the love — not the dessert.

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Good Samaritans Save Mother, 2 Small Children From Attempted Kidnapper in Dramatic Video https://www.familytoday.com/living/good-samaritans-save-mother-2-small-children-from-attempted-kidnapper-in-dramatic-video/ Tue, 06 May 2025 18:56:00 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71569 Authorities credit the quick thinking and bravery of the bystanders for preventing a potential tragedy.

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What started as a terrifying moment outside a Jacksonville, Florida DMV ended in an extraordinary act of bravery, thanks to a group of everyday heroes who refused to look away.

On March 12, a mother and her two small children, ages just 2 years and 6 months, were nearly kidnapped in broad daylight in the parking lot of the Department of Motor Vehicles on North Main Street. Witnesses say a man, later identified as 26-year-old Yanni Human, attempted to drive off in an SUV with the children inside, while the frantic mother clung to the vehicle, desperately trying to free them.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was driving off “against the woman’s will, dragging her and one of the children through the parking lot.”

Then, in a heart-stopping moment captured on security footage, more than a dozen Good Samaritans rushed in to help. Without hesitation, they surrounded the vehicle, pulling the woman and her children to safety as the SUV continued to move. Their quick thinking may have saved three lives.

“More than a dozen Jacksonville Good Samaritans stepped in during a dangerous situation, potentially saving a mother and two children from serious injury or worse,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post describing the incident.

 

The suspect fled the scene, but not before bystanders provided authorities with a detailed description and the SUV’s license plate number. Deputies used that information to track Human down later that day at a local shopping center, where he was arrested without incident.

He now faces multiple felony charges, including child abuse and false imprisonment, as well as charges for battery, marijuana possession, and resisting an officer without violence.

The sheriff’s office has not released the names of those who intervened, but their actions have sparked praise from the community. Many praise the unnamed heroes who step in without fear, showing that sometimes, the most powerful love is the kind shown by strangers.

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Meta Updates Teen Accounts With New Protections to Block Nudity, Livestreams https://www.familytoday.com/family/meta-updates-teen-accounts-with-new-protections-to-block-nudity-livestreams/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:05:03 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71362 Meta says these updates directly respond to parental concerns about teens' online exposure.

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Instagram is strengthening its commitment to protecting young users with a major update to its Teen Accounts initiative. This time, the safeguards are expanding beyond Instagram to Facebook and Messenger as well.

Instagram announced new built-in protections for teen users alongside the launch of Teen Accounts across Meta’s wider suite of apps. These protections are now available on Facebook and Messenger, a move designed to bring parents greater peace of mind as their teens navigate the world of social media.

"We're going to keep adding to Teen Accounts. We're going to keep talking to parents and make sure that it is speaking to them and that they know and understand what experiences their teen is having," Instagram Global Director for Public Policy Tara Hopkins told Fox News Digital.

Key New Protections For Teens

Under the new measures, teens under 16 years old will be restricted from using Instagram Live without parental approval. Additionally, any images suspected to contain nudity sent via direct messages (DMs) will be automatically blurred — and teens will now need parental permission to turn off this safety feature.

Meta says these updates directly respond to parental concerns about teens' online exposure. In a recent survey commissioned by Instagram, 43 percent of parents admitted they struggle to know if their teen is having an age-appropriate social media experience.

Hopkins emphasized that the company’s ultimate goal is to be an ally to parents, not a barrier. "We see youth protection and keeping young people who are using our platforms safe as like our number one priority," she said. "We want parents to feel like we're on their side, we're taking the burden off them."

A Growing Movement Toward Safer Social Media

Since introducing Teen Accounts in September 2024, Meta has already transitioned 54 million teens into these safer environments — a number that continues to grow as the company expands globally.

Teen Accounts automatically set new profiles for users under 18 to private, restrict who can message them, limit exposure to sensitive content, and require parental approval to change many default settings. Teens are also encouraged to take healthy breaks with new time limit reminders and a "sleep mode" that mutes notifications from 10 PM to 8 AM.

According to Meta's internal data, a remarkable 97 percent of 13- to 15-year-old users have kept these protections turned on.

"It's really a game changer for parents," said Antigone Davis, Meta’s head of global safety, in a previous interview with FOX Business Network. "Tens of millions of teens will have an entirely new experience on the platform... putting them into automatic protections if they're under the age of 18."

Listening to Parents' Voices

Meta’s recent efforts have been strongly shaped by listening to parents. The company’s survey of 1,000 U.S. parents found that 85 percent agreed Teen Accounts made it easier for them to help their teens have a positive experience on Instagram, while 94 percent said the features were helpful overall.

However, generational differences persist: 26 percent of parents over age 45 said it’s hard to discuss social media with their teens because "it doesn’t seem like a big deal" — compared to just 18 percent of younger parents.

To bridge that gap, Instagram is taking extra steps. Hopkins shared that the company is continually updating its Meta Family Center, partnering with academic experts and nonprofit organizations, and even co-sponsoring a parenting podcast focused on tech use and screen time.

Responding to Growing Scrutiny

With legislation like the Senate-passed Kids Online Safety Act pending in the House, there’s heightened scrutiny on how tech companies protect minors. Some have questioned whether Meta’s rollout of Teen Accounts is in anticipation of government regulation.

But Davis insists the move was inspired by parents themselves: "This launch was really designed to take in parents' concerns, to take in their biggest concerns and respond specifically to those concerns," she said.

Hopkins echoed that sentiment, saying, "We’re allowing [teens] to have the fun, inspiration and connectivity that Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger really allow for while making safety the number one priority."

As Meta continues to roll out its Teen Accounts worldwide, the company says it remains committed to listening, evolving, and leading the charge to make social media a safer space for the next generation.

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Kelly Clarkson Says This One Thing Schools Do is Unfair to Working Parents https://www.familytoday.com/family/kelly-clarkson-says-this-one-thing-schools-do-is-unfair-to-working-parents/ Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:50:00 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71284 The 'Since U Been Gone' singer says this pet peeve threatens her "emotional stability" as a working mom.

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Kelly Clarkson may be a global superstar, but at the end of the day, she’s just like many moms—trying to juggle work, parenting, and the desire to show up for her kids in every way possible. During a recent appearance on Kylie Kelce’s Not Going to Lie podcast, Clarkson opened up about the challenges of attending her children’s school performances, and her frustrations struck a chord with parents everywhere.

"I'm not going to lie. I don’t know when the school systems thought it would be a good plan for families and their emotional stability to start having performances at 10 a.m. during the week," Clarkson said. “This just in: A lot of us work.”

The mom of two—daughter River and son Remy, whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock—didn’t hold back when talking about how hard it can be to attend weekday events without proper notice. Like many working parents, she expressed that even if you have some control over your schedule, the lack of communication makes it hard to plan ahead.

“Our kids don’t understand,” Clarkson said, adding that it can feel heartbreaking to miss a performance and have to explain why. “We just look like a------s when we’re not there. And then they go, ‘Why was this mom there?’ And then you have to say, ‘Because that kid got a better mom,’ I don’t know.”

Despite the struggle, Clarkson clearly makes an effort to be there when she can. A recent highlight was watching Remy perform Frank Sinatra's "My Way"—a moment that went viral after she brought her children onto The Kelly Clarkson Show. She rushed up to hug him afterward, beaming with pride. Later, on the show, Remy made his mom—and the audience—laugh when he asked, “Yeah. How much views did I get again?” After learning it had over a million views, he cheekily asked, “Do you get that many views?”

Clarkson, amused and humbled, quipped, “Calm down… and not that often.”

The singer is also intentional about protecting her kids as they grow up in the spotlight. She has a firm rule: no social media until they’re 18. “That can be really hard on kids in general, but especially kids with parents in the public eye,” she told People last year.

As for co-parenting with Blackstock since their divorce was finalized in 2022, Clarkson says things are getting “easier,” though it hasn’t always been simple. “It’s hard enough when you’re married and come from two different backgrounds… doing that in different households can be tough.”

Still, it’s clear Clarkson is doing her best to raise grounded, happy kids while balancing the demands of a high-profile career. Her honesty is refreshing—and a reminder that even celebrity moms face the same daily challenges as the rest of us.

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Gavin Rossdale’s Love For His Kids Led This Rock Star to the Kitchen https://www.familytoday.com/family/gavin-rossdales-love-for-his-kids-led-this-rock-star-to-the-kitchen/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:58:44 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71230 'Dinner with Gavin Rossdale' star and ex-wife Gwen Stefani share 3 sons; Rossdale shares daughter with ex Pearl Lowe.

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Gavin Rossdale, frontman of the iconic band Bush, is trading stadium lights for kitchen lights—and it’s all for the love of family. The British rocker has launched a new venture close to home—literally. His cooking show, Dinner With Gavin Rossdale, was born from his deep desire to be a present, hands-on father to his four children.

In a candid interview, Rossdale opened up about why he stepped back from a life of constant touring. “I really wanted to stay home and not have to travel,” he said. “I live with my three boys half the time, so I didn’t want to always travel to buy them dinner.” That realization led to a major lifestyle pivot: creating a job that allowed him to work from his Hollywood Hills home and stay close to his kids.

Rossdale shares sons Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo with ex-wife Gwen Stefani, and his oldest child, Daisy Lowe, with designer Pearl Lowe. He says the show not only keeps him grounded in family life, but also gives him a voice beyond his music career. “I have a profile, I have a band… but not much voice,” he shared. “I thought, why not go out in some kind of glory and be yourself?”

Each episode of Dinner With Gavin Rossdale, which premiered February 13 on VIZIO, features Rossdale preparing a three-course meal for celebrity guests like Serena Williams, Common, Brooke Shields, and Selma Blair. Set in his own kitchen, the show is equal parts culinary experience and heartfelt conversation.

And while Rossdale is passionate about food and music, parenting is clearly his top priority. He watches with pride—and a touch of nervousness—as his kids explore music, too. “I’m not even sure if I’m still the best guitar player in the house,” he admitted. “It’s kind of annoying, to be honest.” Still, he’s committed to cheering them on, even if their dreams seem uncertain. “My job is to encourage them to go out into the world, be independent and be strong.”

Even with all the love, co-parenting isn’t always easy. When asked for advice, Rossdale joked, “Call me when you find the secret.”

At the heart of it all is a dad who traded applause for after-school dinners and interviews for heartfelt conversations around the table. And through Dinner With Gavin Rossdale, he’s showing the world that being present—for your kids, for your passions, and for life’s small moments—is the most rock and roll move of all.

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Donny Osmond Confesses He ‘Stole’ His Wife From His Brother After an Elton John Concert https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/donny-osmond-confesses-he-stole-his-wife-from-his-brother-after-an-elton-john-concert/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:55:03 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71209 Donny Osmond had some competition from his own family to win over his wife of nearly 50 years, Debbie.

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After nearly five decades of marriage, Donny Osmond is opening up about the unforgettable moment he knew he was going to marry his wife, Debbie—and it just so happened to involve an Elton John concert and a little sibling rivalry.

“She dated my brother, and I stole her from my brother,” Donny told Fox News Digital with a laugh. “That’s a true story.”

At the time, Donny was dating a girl named Tammy while his brother Jay had taken Debbie out. The four went on a double date to see Elton John perform live, and that’s when fate stepped in.

“When Elton sat down at the piano to sing ‘Your Song,’ I looked over at my brother’s date and thought to myself, ‘I think I’m going to marry that girl someday.’ And I did.”

Donny even shared the romantic story with Elton John years later, jokingly blaming him for the love story that blossomed that night. “I said, ‘You’re responsible for my marriage.’ He thought that was kind of funny.”

Their story goes back even further. The two first crossed paths as children—Donny was 5 and Debbie was just 3—at a Montana airport during a layover while Donny and his brothers were touring with Andy Williams. Debbie’s family spotted the famous Osmond kids and asked for autographs.

“She was 3, and I’ve literally known her all my life,” he recalled.

Donny and Debbie eventually married in 1978 and went on to raise five sons: Don, Jeremy, Brandon, Chris, and Josh. Nearly 47 years later, their bond remains strong.

“It’s a lifetime of bliss,” Donny shared. “She’s an amazing woman and very patient.” That patience, he added, came in handy during his time on Dancing with the Stars, where Debbie had to watch him twirl other women across the dance floor.

Their lasting love is built on friendship, trust, and shared history. “We were friends before we were married,” Donny said. And that foundation has stood the test of time in both love and show business.

From a childhood autograph to a life together built on faith, family, and show-stopping performances, Donny and Debbie’s story proves that sometimes, love really does start with “Your Song.”

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Don Johnson Reveals Why He Cut Off Daughter Dakota From ‘Family Payroll’ https://www.familytoday.com/family/don-johnson-reveals-why-he-cut-off-daughter-dakota-from-family-payroll/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:29:08 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71161 Dakota Johnson is the daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith.

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As a father of five, Don Johnson has always believed in guiding his children with love, honesty, and firm expectations. Now 75, the Miami Vice star recently opened up about his parenting approach—and the pivotal moment he held his daughter Dakota Johnson to a long-standing family rule.

During a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Johnson's reflections on fatherhood caught viewers’ attention.

Johnson shared a moment from Dakota’s final year of high school that revealed his no-nonsense approach to preparing his children for adulthood. The family, he explained, has a simple but powerful rule: if you choose not to attend college, you must get a job—or you’re no longer financially supported.

“When Dakota was graduating, I reminded her of a rule we have as a family,” Johnson said. “If you don’t go to college and you don’t get a job, you’re off the payroll.”

He recalled asking Dakota if she wanted to tour any colleges. Her response was clear and unwavering: “No, I’m not going to college.” Surprised but composed, Johnson asked how she planned to support herself. “Don’t worry about me,” she replied. “I’m going to be an actress.”

And she meant it. Just three months later, Dakota landed a small role in The Social Network and began building a film career that would eventually include her breakout performance in Fifty Shades of Grey and many more acclaimed projects.

Johnson couldn’t be prouder—but he believes the moment she made that bold declaration and backed it up with action marked the beginning of her success. “She had a plan and followed through,” he said, reflecting on her journey with admiration.

Don Johnson’s own path to success was anything but easy. Before becoming a household name in the 1980s for his role as Detective James "Sonny" Crockett on Miami Vice, Johnson endured years of hardship and rejection. In a 2024 interview with The Wall Street Journal, he recalled spending years below the poverty line and being cast in a string of failed TV pilots.

“I remember reading the script for Miami Vice and feeling like it was written just for me,” he said. “The audition went great—so good that I was convinced it was going to work out.”

He was right. Johnson starred on Miami Vice for five seasons, earning an Emmy nomination and becoming one of television’s most iconic stars. However, the fame wasn’t easy to handle.

“For a while, I couldn’t go anywhere,” he told People magazine. “I had to distance myself from the public. It made me think about how people like Elvis lived. Not that I’m comparing myself to him, but the challenge of losing your private life felt similar. I had to find a way to handle it without feeling trapped.”

Johnson has been married to Kelley Phleger since 1999. Together, they share three children: Grace, Jasper, and Deacon. He is also the father of Jesse Wayne Johnson, from his relationship with actress Patti D’Arbanville, and Dakota, from his previous marriage to Melanie Griffith.

When asked about the secret to his lasting marriage, Johnson didn’t hesitate. “Marry the right person,” he said in a past interview with People. “A bad marriage will wear you down.”

In 2023, he shared a bit of advice that stuck with him—wisdom passed down from legendary musician Bob Dylan. “Bob once told me, ‘Love is about kindness, trust, and respect,’” Johnson recalled in an interview with Parade. “Those words stayed with me because they describe Kelley perfectly. She’s an incredible woman, and we share that foundation in our marriage.”

Whether encouraging independence, upholding family expectations, or simply showing love and loyalty to those around him, Johnson’s actions reflect a man who has lived, learned, and matured through experience. His no-nonsense approach to parenting isn’t about withholding support—it’s about empowering his children to chase their goals with conviction and accountability.

For Dakota, that push proved to be the start of an extraordinary career. For Don Johnson, it was just another step in the journey of a father who guided his children with clarity, compassion, and a deep belief in their potential.

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Heidi Klum’s Daughter Fires Back at Critics of Lingerie Ads With Her Mom https://www.familytoday.com/family/heidi-klums-daughter-fires-back-at-critics-of-lingerie-ads-with-her-mom/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:23:46 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=71090 Leni Klum has been posing for lingerie ads with her mother since the model was 18.

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Leni Klum has responded to criticism surrounding her decision to model lingerie alongside her mother, supermodel Heidi Klum.

The 20-year-old and her famous mom have been featured in multiple campaigns for the Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, sparking praise and controversy. Despite the backlash, Leni remains unfazed by the negativity.

"I always try to remember that no matter what you do, there will always be someone who doesn't like it," Leni told Glamour Germany. "You simply have no influence on it and shouldn't concentrate too much on the negative."

She also pointed out that the overwhelming majority of feedback has been positive. "But there are so many more positive reactions. Oh, and: Most of the comments are in German, and I don't really understand many of them. Of course, that helps too," she added.

Over the years, Leni and Heidi have faced criticism each time they’ve appeared in Intimissimi ads together. Their latest campaign, released in October 2024, was met with mixed reactions.

"This makes me feel uncomfortable," one social media user commented.

Another added, "Heidi looks amazing. But why would you pose in lace revealing lingerie with your mother? Gives me a yucky feeling."

However, others came to their defense. "Two beautiful ladies! I can't imagine why anyone would be critical of this. People have been modeling underwear forever," one supporter wrote.

Leni has been making waves in the modeling industry since she started her career at 16. In 2021, she and Heidi appeared together on the cover of Vogue Germany for the January/February 2025 issue.

"So excited for my first cover!! I had so much fun on set with @voguegermany couldn't dream of a better start!! Thank you for being by my side @heidiklum," Leni shared on Instagram at the time.

She originally wanted to begin modeling at 13 but took her mother’s advice to wait. Looking back, Leni acknowledges that her mother’s guidance helped her approach the industry with more awareness.

"Without my mother's advice, I would have approached the matter a little naively and wouldn't have had such an understanding of what goes into modeling," she told Glamour Germany. "It's not just jumping in front of the camera and looking pretty, but a lot of things happen behind the scenes that you can no longer see in the end product. Modeling requires a lot of discipline."

Heidi has always been supportive of her daughter's career and has shared her own wisdom with Leni along the way.

"I think the best advice I've given my daughter for being a model is to always be happy with yourself when you look in the mirror. I think that's most important," Heidi told Fox News Digital in a 2023 interview.

Despite the criticism, Leni continues to embrace her modeling journey, standing firm in her decisions and focusing on the positive.

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Wife’s Shocking Reason For Leaving Waitress a Two-Cent Tip https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/insecure-wifes-shocking-reason-for-leaving-waitress-a-two-cent-tip/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:56:56 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=70988 This kind of pettiness really doesn’t add up.

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A wife’s decision to leave a two-cent tip for a waitress during dinner with her husband has ignited heated debate online, with many branding her actions as petty and unnecessary. The incident quickly went viral, sparking discussions about jealousy, insecurity, and fairness in tipping etiquette.

The drama unfolded when Savannah Kendall, a woman from Charlotte, North Carolina, shared a 17-second TikTok video from her visit to Maui Brewing Company Kailua in Hawaii. As she filled out the receipt for a $40.21 bill, she initially left "$0" in the tip section. However, in a math error, she accidentally added two cents when writing the total, resulting in a two-cent tip.

But Savannah didn’t stop there. Instead of signing her name, she scrawled a pointed message to the waitress: “Don’t call my husband sweetheart.” To emphasize her frustration, she aggressively underlined “sweetheart” before finalizing the receipt.

Her video quickly gained traction, drawing widespread criticism from social media users who called her out for taking her jealousy out on a server.

Many online users were quick to condemn Savannah’s actions, pointing out that service industry workers depend on tips for their livelihood. Some labeled her reaction as childish and unfair, questioning why she would punish a waitress just for being polite.

One commenter wrote, “If she has trust issues, that’s something she needs to work on. Taking it out on the waitress is just cruel.”

Others suggested that the real issue wasn’t the waitress—but Savannah’s insecurity: “If she feels so threatened by a server being nice, maybe the problem is in her marriage, not with the waitress.”

Many agreed that her behavior reflected immaturity, with some noting that her husband was likely embarrassed by her reaction.

According to some sources, Savannah’s husband was visibly uncomfortable with the situation. Online users empathized with him, speculating that he was placed in an awkward and difficult position.

One person commented, “Imagine having to apologize to the waitress for your wife’s behavior. That must have been so awkward.”

Others suggested that the couple’s relationship might have deeper trust issues, with one relationship expert weighing in: “Trust and security in a marriage are essential. Acting out in petty ways only damages the relationship further.”

Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small group of users defended Savannah, arguing that her reaction was understandable.

"I don't know why we're hating, this is too real," one commenter wrote.

Another added, "Why is everyone so mad? I respect this."

Some agreed that certain pet names can feel inappropriate in professional settings, though most still believed punishing a waitress financially was an overreaction.

This viral incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust and communication in relationships. Instead of acting out in jealousy, couples should discuss their concerns openly and honestly with their significant others.

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Husband of Ruby Franke Speaks Out on Wife Ruby Franke’s Conviction: ‘I Will Never Stop Loving Her’ https://www.familytoday.com/relationships/husband-of-ruby-franke-speaks-out-on-wife-ruby-frankes-conviction-i-will-never-stop-loving-her/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:21:54 +0000 https://www.familytoday.com/?p=70868 Kevin Franke speaks out on his estranged wife Ruby Franke’s conviction, expressing regret, lessons learned, and a commitment to his…

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Kevin Franke, estranged husband of disgraced parenting blogger and convicted child abuser Ruby Franke, has broken his silence, expressing both deep regret and lingering love for the mother of his six children. Speaking in an interview with "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, Franke admitted to mistakes in trusting his wife and her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, but made it clear he would not allow Ruby back into his or their children's lives.

Ruby Franke, once a celebrated mommy blogger with over 2.5 million subscribers, built a lucrative career through her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, sharing what appeared to be an idyllic family life. However, beneath the polished veneer, allegations of extreme and abusive parenting practices began to surface. In 2023, Ruby and Hildebrandt—her business partner in the ConneXions Classrooms brand—were arrested and later convicted of second-degree aggravated child abuse after authorities discovered the horrifying treatment of Franke's two youngest children.

The abuse came to light when Franke's 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, and sought help from a neighbor. Emaciated and bound with duct tape, the child's condition prompted an immediate 911 call, leading to the unraveling of a years-long pattern of maltreatment. Ruby and Hildebrandt were sentenced to between 30 and 60 years in prison.

Kevin Franke, who was not charged in the case, now acknowledges his own responsibility for failing to recognize the signs of abuse. "The bottom line is: I was choosing to trust a licensed professional mental health counselor and my wife, and they gave some terrible counsel. And I have regrets. And I wish I hadn't done those things," he said in the interview.

Despite the pain and betrayal, Kevin admitted, "I don't think I'll ever stop loving her. Does that mean that I want to let her back into my life? Let her back into my kids' lives? Absolutely not."

Kevin also warned of the dangers of exposing family life on social media. "There is a real danger when you place yourself, or your family, your children, out onto public social media," he said. He reflected on how their growing platform and financial success altered the dynamics of their home, particularly as companies began offering large sponsorship deals for scripted content. His son, Chad Franke, echoed this sentiment, describing their home environment as "chaotic," filled with "lots of yelling, lots of snapping, lots of time-outs in the corner."

Initially celebrated for her parenting advice, Ruby's reputation began to unravel when concerning practices emerged in her videos. The shift became undeniable after her eldest son casually admitted in a video that he had been forced to sleep on a beanbag for seven months as punishment. As criticism mounted, Ruby abandoned 8 Passengers and joined forces with Hildebrandt to launch ConneXions Classrooms, a platform that offered strict, punitive parenting guidance disguised as spiritual and psychological counseling.

One of the most disturbing clips from ConneXions resurfaced in the wake of her conviction, where Ruby told parents, "If your child comes to you on fire, you don't pat them on the head and say, 'It's OK, I'll help you.' No, you beat them, and you kick them, and you hit them with a rod." Statements like these, coupled with the suffering of her own children, painted a harrowing picture of the reality behind her online persona.

Kevin and his eldest son, Chad, are speaking out not only to share their pain but also to caution others against the potential harms of social media. Their story is the subject of a new documentary, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which includes unseen footage of Ruby berating and controlling her children, often forcing them to put on a false front for her audience.

As the Franke family attempts to heal, the case has sparked widespread conversations about the ethics of family vlogging, the rights of children who are featured on social media, and the unchecked influence of self-proclaimed parenting experts. It is a stark reminder that, too often, the polished world of online influencers conceals painful truths behind the camera lens.

While Kevin Franke maintains he will always love Ruby, his priority now is protecting their children and moving forward without her influence. "I can't change the past," he said, "but I can fight for my kids' future."

The post Husband of Ruby Franke Speaks Out on Wife Ruby Franke’s Conviction: ‘I Will Never Stop Loving Her’ appeared first on FamilyToday.

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