Shari Franke reveals she was abused as a child by Ruby Franke

In February 2023, Ruby Franke, a former family vlogger known for her controversial YouTube channel, pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, the two women received jail sentences of up to 30 years each for their actions against Franke's children. Shari Franke, Ruby's eldest daughter, has since published a memoir titled "The House of My Mother" where she reveals her traumatic experiences and the dynamics of her childhood abuse, particularly how the involvement of Hildebrandt escalated the psychological manipulations in their home. Shari recalls the physical abuse she endured as a child from Ruby, describing instances where she was slapped or physically harmed. However, after Hildebrandt became a more significant part of their lives, the nature of the abuse shifted to psychological torment, which Shari claimed was even more damaging over time. In her memoir, she portrays Hildebrandt as a cult-like figure who influenced Ruby in harmful ways, effectively isolating the children. The complex relationships and the effects of a toxic environment on the Franke family were further compounded when Shari moved out for college. As she began to process her experiences, she sought to publicly acknowledge the dangers associated with family vlogging and the policies surrounding child influencers. She bravely testified in front of lawmakers about the ethical ramifications of exploiting children in the digital space. While Ruby Franke has expressed remorse during her sentencing, Shari remarked that she doesn't believe her mother can fully grasp the extent of her guilt. Shari's journey emphasizes her struggle for reconciliation and healing as she works to rebuild her relationships with her siblings and father following these traumatic events.