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Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of former “8 Passengers” vlogger Ruby Franke, has made shocking claims about her mother’s relationship with business partner Jodi Hildebrandt in her new memoir, “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom.” The book offers a deeply personal and disturbing account of Shari’s childhood, shedding light on the complexities of the alleged abuse within the family and raising unsettling questions about the true nature of the relationship between her mother and Hildebrandt.
A House of Secrets: An Unnatural Order
Shari alleges in the book that Hildebrandt, the co-founder of the “ConneXions” parenting program with Ruby, assumed an increasingly prominent role within the Franke household. A significant turning point occurred when Hildebrandt moved into Shari’s bedroom, effectively barring her father, Kevin Franke, from accessing the upstairs of the house. This unprecedented intrusion disrupted the family’s dynamics and established a new power structure within the home.
A “Sanctuary” or a Secret Hideaway?
Shari describes this bedroom as becoming a “sanctuary” for Ruby and Hildebrandt, a space where they frequently retreated together. However, Shari’s observations suggest a more intimate and secretive dynamic. She recalls instances where she would return to her room during one of Ruby and Hildebrandt’s alleged “shopping trips” to Mexico and find it transformed.
A “Honeymoon Suite” in Disguise
“The room was bathed in the soft glow of candles,” she writes. “The air was heavy with the scent of lavender and vanilla wafting from the massage oils on the dresser.” This sensual atmosphere, Shari poignantly observes, made her feel as if she had stumbled upon a “honeymoon suite.” The intimate setting, coupled with the absence of any personal belongings, created a sense of intrusion and a profound unease within Shari.
The 21-year-old claims her mom and Hildebrandt were “sneaking around.”sharilfranke/Instagram
Suspicious Activity: Whispers in the Night
Shari provides further evidence to support her suspicions about the nature of Ruby and Hildebrandt’s relationship. She recalls witnessing Ruby leaving the bedroom early in the morning with “messy hair,” “flushed cheeks,” and a “hastily tied robe,” describing a “strange smile” on her mother’s face. These furtive movements, coupled with the unusual atmosphere within the room, raised serious questions in Shari’s mind.
A Hidden Affair? A Family Secret Exposed
Based on these observations, Shari speculates that Ruby and Hildebrandt may have been romantically involved. This possibility, she acknowledges, is both “fascinating and horrific.” The irony of this potential situation is not lost on Shari. She points out the hypocrisy of the pair publicly condemning queerness in their “ConneXions” videos while potentially engaging in a same-sex relationship behind closed doors. This stark contrast between their public persona and their private conduct further highlights the disturbing nature of the alleged abuse.
A Preference for Honesty: A Plea for Openness
Shari emphasizes that she would have preferred her parents to be open about their relationship, if indeed one existed. “It would have been preferable to living like… this. In this house of lies that I couldn’t bear to step foot in anymore,” she writes. This statement underscores the emotional toll of living in a household shrouded in secrecy and the profound impact it had on her well-being.
A Family in Crisis: The Cracks Begin to Show
Shari’s memoir provides a chilling account of the escalating abuse within the family. The situation reached a breaking point in August 2023 when one of her younger siblings, severely malnourished, sought help from neighbors. This desperate act led to the arrest of both Ruby and Hildebrandt on child abuse charges.
A Father’s Absence: A Missed Opportunity for Intervention
While her father, Kevin Franke, was not charged with any crimes, Shari criticizes his perceived inaction during the abuse. She claims he “turned [his] back” on her when she needed him, suggesting a failure to protect his children and address the escalating dysfunction within the family.
Shari Franke’s memoir is a raw and unflinching account of her traumatic childhood. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked abuse and the importance of recognizing and addressing the warning signs.
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