A Maryland couple who played elaborate "pranks" on their children, then racked up millions of views on YouTube before critics accused them of abuse, could end up losing two of their children after their birth mother obtained a court order for temporary custody.
A hearing to determine custody is expected to be held within a week, the sheriff's office said.
Michael and Heather Martin first defended the videos as a harmless family activity, but they have since apologized. In the videos, the couple verbally berated their five children, frequently to the point of tears, while appearing to destroy an Xbox video game system and accusing the children of making messes they had not made.
New York Times
