The adult daughter of a once-famous YouTube personality has broken her silence, alleging years of horrific abuse that took place behind the scenes of a popular family channel.
Jordyn Downs, 29, is one of five biological children of Machelle Hobson, known online as the 'YouTube mum' behind the channel Fantastic Adventures. Hobson also adopted seven children and fostered more than 40 between 2005 and 2019, according to Jordyn.
A Life of Control and Threats
Jordyn Downs alleges that the abuse began long before the YouTube channel launched in 2012. She describes being treated like a 'puppet' and facing relentless mental abuse about her appearance and weight.
She claims her mother would lock her and her siblings in an empty room for days on end, with no bed, clothes, or food. Punishments allegedly included having food withheld or being forced to balance books on their heads in a corner.
'The abuse happened my whole life,' Jordyn stated. 'We were her puppets well before YouTube was a thought.'
Systemic Failure and Forced Silence
Jordyn says that despite numerous visits from child protective services, she was forced to lie to investigators under dire threats. Hobson, who worked for the state, allegedly knew when visits would occur and coached the children.
'She wasn't just threatening to hurt us, she was threatening to kill us if we spoke a word wrong,' Jordyn recalled. 'No child is going to speak up against that.'
She claims there were almost a dozen investigations into neglect at the Maricopa, Arizona home, but all were dropped. Jordyn says she feels profoundly 'failed' by the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
The Final Reckoning and a Controversial Death
The situation finally came to light in March 2019 when Jordyn's sister, Megan Hobson, tipped off police. Officers found malnourished children at the property, several of whom reported physical abuse.
Machelle Hobson was arrested and charged with 30 felony counts related to the abuse. However, in November 2019, she suffered a non-trauma-related brain injury and died in Scottsdale Hospital, Arizona, before facing trial.
Jordyn expressed anger at this outcome, feeling cheated of justice. 'I felt like death was too easy for her,' she said. 'We suffered for years, and she got eight months in jail and not even a full sentence.'
In a statement, an Arizona Department of Child Safety spokesperson said they investigate every report thoroughly, but acknowledged that 'those intent on harming children may occasionally slip through even the most thorough protections.'
