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Headline: New Netflix Documentary Exposes Horrific Child Abuse by Utah Life Coach

Salt Lake City, UT – Netflix’s latest true-crime documentary, “Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story,” delves into the disturbing case of Jodi Hildebrandt, a Utah life coach convicted of extreme child abuse alongside Ruby Franke, a popular parenting influencer. The documentary, directed by Skye Borgman, renowned for her unflinching explorations of true crime, unveils a chilling narrative of religious manipulation and physical and emotional torture inflicted upon Franke’s children.

The film meticulously lays out the details of the case, beginning with the escape of a malnourished and injured 12-year-old boy from Hildebrandt’s home, leading to the discovery of his equally abused sister. Police investigations uncovered evidence of severe mistreatment, including starvation, confinement, and torture.

Interviews with law enforcement officials, including Detective Jessica Bate and County Attorney Eric Clarke, provide a detailed account of the investigation and prosecution. Former clients of Hildebrandt also share their experiences, describing how she used her position as a trusted advisor within the Church of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to exert control over their lives, often driving wedges between spouses and families.

The documentary highlights how Franke, initially a co-parenting influencer, fell under Hildebrandt’s influence and allegedly became her business and sexual partner. Hildebrandt convinced her that the abuse was justified by religious principles, leading to their conviction on multiple counts of aggravated child abuse.

While praised for its measured approach and reliance on firsthand accounts, “Evil Influencer” raises the persistent ethical questions surrounding the true-crime genre, specifically the potential for voyeurism and exploitation. The documentary touches on the influence of rigid religious upbringings and their potential susceptibility of manipulation, but it doesn’t quite delve into these concepts with the enough depth to transcend the story’s bleak nature.

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