Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of imprisoned influencer Ruby Franke, has shared her difficult journey as a child of a family vlogger in a recent memoir titled “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom,” which was released on Tuesday. The 21-year-old reflects on her life as a child influencer, including the troubling events that surrounded her mother’s and family counselor Jodi Hildebrandt’s criminal case involving child abuse.
In August 2023, both Ruby and Hildebrandt were arrested and later convicted for subjecting two of Ruby’s children to severe mental and physical abuse, resulting in their current prison sentences that range from 4 to 30 years. In an interview with Good Morning America, Shari described her mother’s actions as so reprehensible that Ruby may not fully grasp the magnitude of her guilt.
The Franke family initially gained fame through their YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” which showcased their family life. Following Ruby’s arrest, many have wondered about the current status of her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, and their other children. Kevin filed for divorce about three months after the arrest and has since advocated for child welfare reform, criticizing the lack of intervention from authorities despite warnings about the children’s conditions.
Kevin pointed out that the family had been in marriage counseling with Hildebrandt before the arrests and noted that he had been separated from Ruby for over a year by that point. He has since called for changes to child welfare laws based on loopholes that hindered interventions.
As for the children, four of them are in protective custody and are reportedly doing significantly better in their new environment. Prosecutor Eric Clarke confirmed that the two youngest children subjected to abuse are healthier and more engaged than they were prior to the legal actions against Ruby and Hildebrandt.
Shari Franke’s memoir also discusses her strained relationship with her mother, revealing moments of conflict, including one where Ruby accused her of having ill feelings towards her. Shari has strongly criticized any portrayal of her family that does not consider their current struggles, particularly focusing on the detrimental effects family vlogging can have on childhood.
Addressing the realities of family influencers, Shari emphasized to lawmakers that child vlogging impacted her youth negatively and lamented that her childhood memories became public commodities. She advocates for legislative action in Utah similar to the protections available in Illinois and California, highlighting that many child influencers face similar challenges across the nation.
Kevin expressed pride in his daughter’s bravery, acknowledging her role in the family’s healing process. He underscored her potential for positive influence, affirming his support and love for her as she navigates both her past and her future.
In summary, the Franke family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities around family vlogging, parental accountability, and the welfare of children in such environments. Shari’s memoir could pave the way for greater awareness and legislative changes that protect young influencers from exploitation and harm, ultimately fostering a more compassionate societal attitude toward their well-being.