In a heartfelt interview, Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of former family vlogger Ruby Franke, has bravely shared her experiences surrounding the abuse she and her siblings suffered and her journey towards forgiveness. This stirring conversation has reignited the discussion about the impacts of child abuse and the dangers of family vlogging.
Shari Franke Talks About Her Mother’s Actions
Shari Franke sat down for an interview on “Good Morning America” where she revealed her complicated feelings about her mother, Ruby Franke. After years of abuse, Shari finds herself at a crossroads of forgiveness and understanding. She opens up in her new memoir, “The House of My Mother,” recounting the emotional and psychological abuse she faced while growing up in the spotlight.
A Dark Reality Behind Family Vlogging
Many families take to platforms like YouTube to share their lives with millions of followers, but the Franke family story uncovers a darker truth. Shari’s mother, Ruby, a once-beloved vlogger with over 2 million subscribers on their YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” was arrested in August 2023 alongside her business partner. Their apprehension followed a shocking incident where police found one of Shari’s siblings malnourished and bound, which led to the unraveling of years of hidden abuse.
Ruby Franke Receives a Lengthy Sentence
After pleading guilty to multiple counts of child abuse, Ruby Franke received a prison sentence ranging from one to 15 years, with her partner also sentenced similarly. At her sentencing hearing, Ruby tearfully apologized to her children, but the damage had already been done. Shari expressed her mixed feelings, stating she doesn’t believe her mother can fully understand her guilt and the harm caused.
The Impact of the Abuse
Shari Franke’s memoir paints a vivid picture of the chaos that surrounded her family life. She describes a situation where physical abuse often escalated into emotional and psychological torment, particularly with the influence of her mother’s partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, whom Shari has referred to as a cult leader in her stories. These experiences highlight not only the harm inflicted on the Franke children but also raise questions about the extreme measures some influencers take in the name of parenting advice.
Raising Awareness and Seeking Change
By sharing her story, Shari hopes to raise awareness about child abuse and the potential dangers involved in family vlogging. She has been an active voice in advocating for reforms to protect child influencers, appearing before the Utah Senate to discuss her family’s experiences and the impact of unregulated family content on children’s lives. Shari stresses that it is crucial to ensure children are not exploited for entertainment.
A Journey Towards Healing
Shari’s efforts to heal extend beyond seeking justice for herself and her siblings. She is focused on rebuilding relationships with her family, particularly her father, Kevin Franke, who is also pursuing custody of their children. The family’s collective journey showcases both the struggle to overcome trauma and the importance of support systems in recovery.
Upcoming Docuseries on Hulu
The shocking narrative has captured widespread attention, leading to the announcement of a new Hulu docuseries titled “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.” Set to premiere on February 27, 2024, this three-part series aims to shed light on the complex situations surrounding family vlogging and child welfare. Featuring interviews with Shari and other family members, the series promises to present an honest look at the consequences of their past and how they strive toward a better future.
What Lies Ahead
As Shari Franke courageously steps into the public eye to share her story, it serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for child protection laws and the significance of mental health awareness in the face of abuse. Through her advocacy and memoir, she not only confronts her painful past but also encourages others to speak up, emphasizing that real healing begins with acknowledging the truth.