Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, has courageously shared her story in her new memoir, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom." In an emotional interview with Good Morning America on Tuesday, Shari revealed her complex feelings towards her mother, Ruby, who was arrested in 2023 for child abuse.

Ruby Franke, a former YouTube star and matriarch of the controversial "8 Passengers" family vlog, was arrested in August 2023 on child abuse charges. Known for documenting her strict parenting style, Ruby’s arrest shocked her followers and the public.

Along with her mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby was convicted and sentenced for child abuse, drawing attention to the dangers of family vlogging and the ethics of involving children in online content. Her daughter, Shari Franke, now shares her journey in a memoir, shedding light on her experiences and the impact of her mother’s actions.

In the interview, Shari candidly spoke about the challenges she faced growing up under her mother’s strict and abusive behavior. She recalled instances of physical discipline, such as slapping her on the cheek or hand while practicing the piano. These memories are difficult to reconcile with the image of Ruby Franke that viewers saw on YouTube, where she once shared parenting tips that sparked controversy.

Ruby Franke’s arrest came after her son escaped a dangerous situation in her mentor's home, leading to the discovery of ongoing abuse. Both Ruby and her mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt, pleaded guilty to charges of child abuse in 2023. Shari, who was not directly involved in the abuse, has been navigating her own journey of healing and forgiveness, often reflecting on the pain caused by her mother’s actions.

In her memoir, Shari opens up about her estrangement from Ruby, including moments of concern about Ruby's relationship with Hildebrandt. She also discusses the emotional struggles of seeking help but not receiving it, highlighting the difficulty of finding support during such an isolating time.

In addition to her personal healing, Shari is using her experience to advocate for stronger regulations around family vlogging, urging lawmakers to address the dangers of exploiting children for online fame.

Shari’s story is a testament to resilience and hope. As she continues to navigate her path to healing, she is determined to create a better future for herself, one free from the trauma of her past. You can read more about Shari’s journey in her memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom.

Ruby Franke is a former YouTube personality and the matriarch behind the once-popular family vlog channel, "8 Passengers," which documented her life and the lives of her husband, Kevin Franke, and their six children. The channel gained significant attention for its parenting style, which some viewers found controversial. Ruby and her husband often shared their strict, discipline-based parenting methods, sparking both admiration and criticism.

Her arrest and conviction marked a stark contrast to the family-friendly image Ruby had cultivated online. The case highlighted serious concerns about child exploitation and the ethics of family vlogging, especially when children are involved in content creation without the ability to consent.