Shari Franke who was convicted of aggravated child abuse. After years of living under the intense scrutiny of online life and enduring hidden abuse, Shari is now stepping into her own light, advocating for the protection of children in the digital age and sharing her personal journey of healing and resilience.
Emerging from the Shadows: The Publication of “The House of My Mother”
This powerful book offers a firsthand account of the disturbing reality behind the seemingly perfect facade of the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel. Shari bravely unveils the emotional and physical abuse she and her siblings allegedly suffered under their mother’s strict moral code and the manipulative influence of Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby’s business partner and co-convicted abuser.
In her memoir, Shari recounts her childhood as a constant struggle for survival, detailing instances of harsh discipline and control that were hidden from the millions of viewers who followed her family’s online life. She sheds light on how Ruby’s obsession with maintaining a flawless online image and the toxic teachings of Hildebrandt’s “ConneXions” program led to an increasingly oppressive and abusive environment within their home.
The book also chronicles Shari’s journey of breaking free from this environment, her efforts to ensure the safety of her younger siblings, and her path toward healing and reclaiming her voice. The title itself, “The House of My Mother,” speaks volumes about the complex and often traumatic relationship she had with the woman who was supposed to be her protector.
Speaking Out Against Family Vlogging and Child Exploitation
Since her mother’s arrest in August 2023, Shari has become a vocal advocate against the exploitation of children in online content creation. In October 2024, she addressed the Utah House of Representatives, emphasizing the ethical and monetary issues surrounding child influencers. Her powerful statement declared, “I want to be clear that there is NEVER. There is no such thing as a moral or ethical family vlogger.”
Shari’s advocacy continued into 2025. She has used her platform, including interviews and social media, to raise awareness about the potential harms of family vlogging and the lack of adequate legal protections for child influencers. She has highlighted the fact that children cannot provide informed consent to be filmed and have their lives shared online for profit.
Her efforts have contributed to tangible change. In March 2025, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a new law establishing protections for children of online content creators. This legislation, supported by Shari’s father, Kevin Franke, allows children to request the removal of media featuring them once they turn 18 and requires parents who earn over a certain threshold from content featuring their children to set aside a portion of those earnings in a trust fund for the child.
Focusing on Personal Growth and Healing
While actively advocating for change, Shari is also prioritizing her personal growth and healing. In 2025, she is expected to graduate from Brigham Young University with a degree in political science. Alongside her education, she is reportedly attending therapy to process the trauma she experienced.
Shari is also working on rebuilding relationships with her father and her younger siblings, who were placed in child protective services following Ruby’s arrest and have since been in Kevin’s care. To protect their privacy, Shari has chosen not to speak publicly about them.
In December 2024, Shari shared the news of her engagement on Instagram, marking a new chapter in her life. In her announcement, she stated that this milestone also signified “the end of me sharing my private life.” She expressed her intention to continue advocating for children who lack a voice but affirmed her decision to keep her future marriage and family life private. This decision underscores her understanding of the “damage of what happens when your life is put online” – a lesson learned through her own difficult experiences.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Her memoir, “The House of My Mother,” became a bestseller, resonating with readers who followed the “8 Passengers” saga and those interested in the darker side of online fame and family dynamics.
The Franke family’s case has also been the subject of various media productions. In October 2024, a Lifetime movie titled “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story” was released, though Shari expressed her disappointment that her family was not consulted and that the proceeds would not benefit her younger siblings.
Furthermore, a Hulu docu series titled “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” premiered in February 2025. This series reportedly features interviews with Shari and her father, Kevin, offering a deeper look into the family’s experiences and the events leading up to Ruby’s arrest. Shari has participated in such projects to further shed light on the realities of her upbringing and the importance of protecting children online.
Shari’s Stance on Reconnecting with Her Mother
As of 2025, Shari has made it clear that she has no interest in reconnecting with her mother, Ruby Franke. In interviews, she has stated that she no longer regards Ruby as her mother and that while she is working towards forgiveness for her own peace of mind, this does not entail reconciliation. She acknowledges the anger she feels about the abuse she endured but is determined not to let her mother’s actions continue to consume her life.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Shari Franke stands as a testament to resilience and the power of speaking truth to power. Having navigated a childhood lived under a public microscope and marred by abuse, she is now using her experiences to advocate for systemic change and to protect other vulnerable children. While she embarks on a new personal chapter, she remains a significant voice in the ongoing conversation about the ethical implications of family vlogging and the urgent need for greater safeguards for child influencers. Her journey from being a silent figure in a controversial online family to a published author and outspoken advocate marks a powerful transformation, offering hope for healing and a commitment to ensuring that other children are not subjected to similar exploitation and harm.
FAQs
What is Shari Franke doing in 2025?
In 2025, Shari Franke published her memoir, “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom,” graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in political science, and is actively advocating for the protection of child influencers. She is also focusing on her personal healing and rebuilding relationships with her father and younger siblings. Shari also announced her engagement in late 2024 and intends to keep her future private life out of the public eye.
What is Shari Franke’s memoir about?
Shari Franke’s memoir, “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom,” details her experiences growing up as the eldest daughter in the “8 Passengers” family vlog and the hidden abuse she and her siblings allegedly endured from their mother, Ruby Franke, and Jodi Hildebrandt. It chronicles her journey of breaking free, advocating for her siblings’ safety, and her path toward healing.
Has Shari Franke been involved in any legal changes regarding child influencers?
Yes, Shari’s advocacy played a significant role in the passing of a new law in Utah in March 2025 aimed at protecting child influencers. This law allows children to request the removal of online content featuring them when they turn 18 and requires parents earning over a certain amount from content featuring their children to set aside a portion of those earnings in a trust fund.
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