Shari Franke's Outcry Against Lifetime's Film

In a shocking revelation, Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, has publicly condemned the upcoming Lifetime film titled "Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story." Following the release of the film's trailer, which she stumbled upon unexpectedly during class, Shari expressed her distress, stating, “I had an anxiety attack,” and criticized Lifetime for failing to reach out to her or her siblings during production.

Background of the Case

The film is set to dramatize the harrowing circumstances surrounding Ruby Franke, the once-prominent YouTube parenting vlogger, who, along with her business associate Jodi Hildebrandt, was convicted of child abuse. The case garnered national attention after shocking incidents escalated into legal action against the two women for the treatment of Franke’s children.

Shari Franke's Strong Statement

In an impassioned post on her Instagram Stories, Shari urged the public not to support the film, claiming, “This movie is trash, and only hurts my siblings more. None of us were contacted about the movie, and none of the proceeds are going to the kids.” Her remarks underscore the deep emotional turmoil her family is grappling with following their horrifying experiences.

The Cast and Storyline

The Lifetime film stars Emilie Ullerup as Ruby Franke and Heather Locklear as Jodi Hildebrandt. The narrative follows the seemingly idyllic family life of Ruby, who gained fame through her web series "8 Passengers," which portrayed a practical yet spiritually based parenting style. However, things took a disturbing turn as Hildebrandt, who began as a marriage counselor, morphed into a manipulative presence in the Franke household, leading to distressing claims of abuse.

The Investigation

The true horror of the situation came to light in August 2023, when Ruby's 12-year-old son, Russell, managed to escape from Hildebrandt's home and alert authorities. His condition—showing signs of severe malnourishment and physical restraints—triggered a police investigation that ultimately led to the arrests of both women. Russell's harrowing plea for help, recorded by a security camera, made headlines and shocked many across the nation.

Shari Franke's Reflection

“Today has been a big day,” Shari reflected on her social media in the wake of the announcement. “Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and I'm so glad they finally decided to step up.” This statement not only reiterates the family's prolonged struggle but also highlights the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to persist.

Chad Franke's Perspective

Alongside Shari, her brother Chad marked the anniversary of their mother's arrest by posting on Snapchat, calling it “Happy Prisonversary,” reflecting a bittersweet sense of ironic relief. Chad had moved out before the arrests, reportedly escaping the situation without direct abuse.

Premiere Details and Controversy

The film is slated to premiere on October 26 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime, and it is already generating considerable controversy. While there’s no assurance that the film will provide a true representation of their ordeal, the Franke children’s sentiments emphasize a critical discourse about representation and the ethics of profit derived from real-life trauma.

Call for Action

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, it’s crucial to seek help. Resources like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-4-A-Child. Your voice can help in the fight against this severe issue impacting communities today.