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07 January 2025

Shari Franke Unveils Abusive Past Of Growing Up With Mommy Vlogger

The eldest daughter of Ruby Franke shares her traumatic experiences and exposes the truth behind the family vlogging facade.

Shari Franke Reveals Dark Secrets of Mommy Vlogger's Family Life

Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke—a once-beloved Mormon mommy vlogger—has come forward with harrowing revelations of abuse and manipulation chronicled in her memoir, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom." The memoir provides chilling insights starkly contrasting the cheerful family moments Ruby showcased to her millions of followers on YouTube.

Intended to portray her parenting expertise, Ruby built her YouTube channel "8 Passengers" where she attracted 2.5 million subscribers and over a billion views. Initially beginning her online career as 'the model mom,' Ruby created content showing idyllic family moments, lavish vacations, and lighthearted challenges. Yet, behind the lens, the family's reality was far bleaker.

Now 21, Shari highlights instances of extreme disciplinary actions taken by Ruby, many inspired by military practices. "The punishments became more severe and dramatic, intended to instill pain for our mistakes," she wrote, detailing incidents where family members faced harsh physical repercussions for minor misdemeanors. From being forced to run laps as punishment to enduring physical slaps, the overbearing discipline morphed Shari's childhood experience from charmed to traumatic.

The trophy of their 'charismatic family' obscured the dark realities faced by Shari and her siblings. Significantly, Shari recalls major incidents, such as the time she was filmed crying after Ruby mistakenly waxed half her eyebrow but still shared the footage online, rendering her more vulnerable to public scrutiny—a grave disappointment to Shari.

By the time Shari left for Brigham Young University, the environment at home unraveled even more, as Ruby intensified her methods of discipline. Alarmed viewers began questioning the integrity of Ruby's parenting displayed on her videos, prompting public outcries about the treatment of her children. Shari noted, “Viewers began questioning motherhood methods shown on Ruby's videos, and it drew significant concern for the family.”

Things escalated dramatically when 12-year-old Russell managed to escape their home and pleaded for help from neighbors due to alleged starvation and abuse. This incident incited police involvement, which led to the charges against Ruby and her parenting mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt. Both were arrested, and Ruby later pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse, receiving up to 60 years of prison time.

Shari openly expressed how Ruby refused to accept responsibility for her actions: "She viewed herself as martyr, persecuted for her strict parenting," reflecting her mother's distorted beliefs on proper discipline and parenting. Even with copious evidence, Ruby clung to denial, illustrating the detachment rooted within familial ties.

During her trial, Ruby shared this chilling statement: "For the past four years, I've chosen to follow counsel and guidance—leading me to dark delusions," establishing how her altered perception of reality contributed to her actions against her family.

After Ruby's arrest, Shari found solace elsewhere, focusing on her studies and relationship with her remaining siblings. She is determined to reclaim her narrative, asserting, "I am happy without you," referencing Ruby, proclaiming her triumph over the fear she once held. Kevin Franke, Shari's father, has also distanced himself, having filed for divorce from Ruby.

Now focusing on advocacy, Shari has taken on an active role highlighting the dangers lurking within the family vlogging community. She recently testified before Utah lawmakers, emphasizing how children caught up in family influencer dynamics face risks, stating: "There is no such thing as a moral or ethical family vlogger." Licenses surrounding content creation and the exploitation of young children remain hot topics as the impacts of unchecked behavior from parental figures like Ruby become progressively evident.

Networking her painful experiences, Shari hopes to change regulations concerning child influences online. Striving for recognition, she brings emotional and physical trauma out of the shadows, turning her own life story toward actionable steps for protection.

Shari's memoir will soon bring her past struggles to light, serving as both her catharsis as well as advocacy. "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom" is available now, inviting readers to gain insight not just on her tumultuous experience but also on the broader ramifications of vlogging culture on children's lives.