Ruby Franke's Daughter Says Vlogging 'Ruined My Innocence Long Before' Mom Was Sentenced to Prison

Shari Franke addressed Utah lawmakers to "shed light on the ethical and monetary issues that come from being a child influencer," citing experiences of her own

Shari Franke , the oldest daughter of convicted child abuser and "mommy vlogger" Ruby Franke , addressed Utah lawmakers on Oct. 16.

Speaking on the issue of minors on social media, Shari addressed the Business and Labor Interim Committee amid a discussion about recommendations for statutory change surrounding child influencer protection.

While Ruby was sentenced to 4 to 60 years in prison for child abuse in February, Shari made her reason for addressing the legislation clear from the start of her presentation.

"I don't come today as the daughter of a felon, nor as a victim of an abnormally abusive mother. I come today as a victim of family vlogging," Shari told the Salt Lake City room of legislators. She clarified her intentions for speaking up.

or the time I was violently ill and got the leading role in the video that day."

Family vlogging ruined my innocence long before Ruby committed a crime."

Ruby and Hildebrandt were charged with child abuse in September 2023, after Ruby's then 12-year-old son Russell escaped "emaciated" from Hildebrandt's Utah home with visible wounds and tape marks on his wrists and ankles, per a neighbor who called 911 at the time.

Eve, Ruby's then-9-year-old daughter, was also found in "a similar physical condition of malnourishment" at Hildebrandt's home, per a press release shared by Utah police at the time.

Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December 2023. On Feb. 20, 2024, Ruby and Hildebrandt were sentenced to four to 60 years in prison after four convictions each of aggravated child abuse.

Related: Former Parenting Youtuber Ruby Franke and Ex-Business Partner Sentenced to Prison for Child Abuse

Following her mom's arrest in September 2023, Shari, who is estranged from her parents, wrote on Instagram: "Today has been a big day. Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up."

Then, in a post shared a month later, Shari wrote there were "not even words to describe how upside down my life has become."

"I've cried, had an infinite number of panic attacks, had way too much ice-cream, and yet life goes on. Therapy has literally saved me, but God has too," she continued. "My life is somehow becoming more beautiful and fulfilling, despite all the terrible things going on."

"I've tried to live my life to the fullest the last few weeks, even though all I want to do is hide away in my apartment (I do have my days). Tomorrow is another big court day, and I'd appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my family and myself," added Shari.

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