Shari Franke, daughter of YouTuber Ruby Franke, is breaking her silence about her mother’s disturbing relationship with Utah-based therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. Her new memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, details troubling incidents that unfolded in the Franke household, ultimately leading to the arrests of Ruby and Hildebrandt in September 2023 on charges of aggravated child abuse.
In a candid interview with Good Morning America (GMA) on January 7, Shari discussed her experiences, suspicions, and discoveries about the nature of her mother’s bond with Hildebrandt. The memoir, which delves deeply into Shari’s search for freedom and self-discovery, offers startling revelations about the toxic environment she endured growing up.
The Unusual Bond Between Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt
Ruby Franke, widely known for her now-defunct family YouTube channel 8 Passengers, first met Hildebrandt in 2019 through their church. Hildebrandt, who was a licensed therapist at the time, began working with the Franke family under the pretense of providing counseling and support. However, her role quickly expanded beyond professional boundaries.
By 2022, Hildebrandt had become a dominant influence in Ruby’s life. Under her guidance, Ruby separated from her husband, Kevin Franke, and cut him off from their six children. Kevin was reportedly forced to move out of their home, leaving Ruby under Hildebrandt’s influence.
Shari recalled how Hildebrandt eventually moved into the Franke family’s home, occupying spaces that were once hers. “I hadn’t even left for college yet, and Jodi was already in my room, in my bed,” Shari said during the GMA interview. “It didn’t feel normal, and I was uncomfortable with the whole situation.”
She described Hildebrandt’s growing presence as unsettling, noting, “I certainly got weird vibes from Jodi and Ruby. I don’t think it’s normal at all that a therapist would move into her client’s home.”
Ruby’s Secretive Behavior and Shari’s Suspicions
While Ruby attempted to keep her interactions with Hildebrandt discreet, Shari couldn’t ignore the increasingly “strange” dynamics between the two women. Shari explained that she started noticing subtle yet concerning changes in her mother’s behavior even before moving out for college.
“Ruby tried to be secretive about it, so I don’t know all the details,” Shari shared. “But the vibes I was getting were that something was very strange between them. It didn’t feel like a typical client-therapist relationship.”
Shari’s memoir provides additional context, revealing that Ruby’s attachment to Hildebrandt went far beyond professional boundaries. After Ruby’s arrest, Shari discovered messages on her mother’s laptop that revealed deeper aspects of the relationship.
Startling Revelations in The House of My Mother
In an excerpt from her memoir shared with GMA, Shari describes finding explicit messages on Ruby’s laptop. The messages confirmed her long-held suspicions about the nature of Ruby’s bond with Hildebrandt.
One message reportedly expressed Ruby’s frustration about having to fulfill Hildebrandt’s needs for physical affection. “Ruby shared how she felt drained by constantly catering to Jodi’s needs without receiving anything in return,” Shari wrote.
When asked by GMA if she believed Ruby and Hildebrandt’s relationship was romantic, Shari hesitated. “I never saw anything specific about that,” she admitted. “I’m not sure if they were more than friends, but what I do know is that their connection crossed many boundaries.”
The Collapse of 8 Passengers and Ruby’s Move to Ivins, Utah
Ruby Franke’s popular YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, documented her family’s life and gained a significant following over the years. However, in 2022, Ruby abruptly stopped posting videos and shifted her focus to Hildebrandt’s podcast, ConneXions.
In May 2023, Ruby made a dramatic decision to uproot her life. She relocated herself and her four youngest children 300 miles away to Ivins, Utah, to live in Hildebrandt’s home. This move further solidified Hildebrandt’s influence over Ruby and her children.
The Disturbing Child Abuse Case
The turning point came in September 2023, when Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor. The neighbor, who was horrified by the boy’s condition, immediately called 911.
Police discovered the child emaciated and injured, leading to a broader investigation that uncovered extreme neglect and abuse. Authorities described the living conditions as uninhabitable, and both Ruby and Hildebrandt were arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated child abuse.
The case drew national attention as more details emerged about the psychological and physical abuse inflicted on Ruby’s children under Hildebrandt’s guidance.
Legal Outcomes: Prison Sentences for Ruby and Hildebrandt
Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to the charges. They were each sentenced to four separate prison terms ranging from 1 to 15 years, which will run consecutively. However, due to Utah state laws, their total sentences cannot exceed 30 years.
The final determination of their sentences lies with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, which will decide the length of time each will serve.
Shari Franke’s Memoir: A Story of Survival and Freedom
In The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, Shari recounts her journey of breaking free from the toxic environment created by her mother and Hildebrandt. The memoir explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and reclaiming her independence.
Shari’s bravery in sharing her story sheds light on the long-term impacts of manipulation and abuse. Her account has been praised for bringing awareness to the complex dynamics within families affected by toxic relationships.
The memoir, published by Gallery Books, is available starting January 7, 2025.
Resources for Reporting Child Abuse
If you suspect child abuse, it’s important to take action. Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. This hotline provides confidential support 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Shari Franke’s story is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and intervention when abuse is suspected. Her courage in speaking out offers hope and inspiration to others in similar circumstances.
The Information is Collected from Variety and Yahoo.
