Ruby Franke's Unraveling Life

In a heartfelt and revealing interview with Good Morning America, Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of the controversial former Mormon mommy vlogger Ruby Franke, detailed the alarming abuse she endured at the hands of her mother. Shari also touched upon the unusual dynamics between Ruby and her business partner, life coach Jodi Hildebrandt, raising questions about their relationship.

Rise to Fame and Encounter with Authorities

Ruby Franke initially gained fame in 2015 with her YouTube channel "8 Passengers," which showcased her life as a mother of six and included provocative parenting advice. Her relationship with Jodi Hildebrandt began in 2019 through their church community, culminating in Ruby's involvement on Hildebrandt’s ConneXions platform, which focuses on religious counseling. However, in a dramatic turn of events, both women were arrested in September 2023, following a disturbing incident where Ruby's malnourished son was found pleading for help at a neighbor’s house. The situation exposed years of alleged neglect and abuse, leading to their charges of aggravated child abuse.

Shari's Courage and Revelations

Shari Franke, 21, took to Instagram following the arrest to express relief, stating, '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.' Ruby and Jodi later pleaded guilty to multiple counts of abuse, resulting in prison sentences of up to 60 years.

Experiences of Abuse

In her recent interview, Shari bravely recounted her early experiences of physical abuse, noting that it began around the age of five or six. 'When I practiced piano, her hand would slam down on me—it was terrifying,' she shared. Following Ruby’s partnership with Hildebrandt and Jodi's move into the Franke home in 2022, the physical abuse reportedly decreased, shifting instead to psychological torment. 'I felt a change. While she stopped the hitting, the emotional abuse continued and became more damaging,' Shari explained.

Strange Dynamics of their Relationship

Adding to the strangeness of their situation, Shari expressed discomfort about Jodi moving into their home. 'It felt really off to me,' she stated. 'A therapist living with her client isn’t normal. I was about to move out for college, and she was suddenly in my room.' Shari suggested there was an element of secrecy surrounding their relationship and hinted at messages she found that indicated their connection might have gone beyond a professional one.

Ruby's Regret and Shari's Skepticism

In a poignant moment during her court sentencing last February, Ruby expressed regret towards her children, claiming, 'I took from you all that was soft, and safe, and good.' In her interview, Shari offered a critical view of her mother's apology, stating, 'I think she’s as sorry as she can be… but I don’t believe it.'

Looking Towards the Future

Shari's memoir, 'The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom,' released by Simon & Schuster, delves deeper into her experiences with family vlogging and the tumultuous life she had growing up under Ruby’s reign. As the story continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the future holds for Shari and her siblings as they seek healing and closure from their harrowing past.

Closing Thoughts

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story, as it raises important dialogues about parental control, the ethics of family vlogging, and the urgent need for child protection.