Shari Franke Details Calling CPS on Her Mother Ruby: ‘It’s About the Safety of My Siblings
Photo: Ruby Franke/ Instagram
In a heart-wrenching excerpt from her memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, Shari Franke reveals the emotional conversation she had with her mother, Ruby Franke after she called child protective services (CPS) on her.
The chilling moment occurred following Ruby’s arrest for the abuse of her two youngest children, which led to her being sentenced to 30 years in prison in February 2024. Shari, who reflects on her tumultuous relationship with her infamous influencer mother, recounts how Ruby reacted after learning that Shari had contacted CPS. “Ruby’s face contorted with anger and hurt.
In an excerpt from her memoir shared with People, ‘I can’t believe you called the police on me,’ she began, her voice rising. ‘After everything I’ve done for you, after all the sacrifices I’ve made. How could you betray me like that, Shari? How could you be so selfish?’” Shari continued, describing the emotional impact of her mother’s words. “The words hit me like physical blows, but I stood my ground.”
Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Shari found strength in her resolve, reminding herself that she wasn’t alone. “‘Selfish?’ I repeated, finding strength in my voice. ‘I was worried about the kids. They were alone for five days, Mom. Five days!’”
Ruby’s response was dismissive, accusing Shari of being “jealous” and seeking attention. Shari wrote, “I felt a bubble of hysterical laughter rise in my throat. How could she twist this around, make it about me? But then, wasn’t that always her way?”
Ruby’s anger escalated, and she told her daughter, “You’re just a child playing at being an adult. Your siblings are terrified of you now for calling the police on them.” Ruby warned Shari, “One day, Shari, you’ll come crawling back to me. Begging for my forgiveness. And it’ll be hard for me to give it to you, but I’ll be gracious.”
Shari, however, stood firm, telling her mother, “This isn’t about me. It’s about the safety of my siblings. It’s about doing what’s right.” Despite the turmoil, Shari never wavered in her decision. Ruby’s abuse of her children was part of a larger pattern of cruelty, including convincing them they were “evil” and “possessed” as a form of punishment.
She forced one of her children to endure grueling physical tasks and denied him sufficient food, all under the guise of “acts of love.” Ruby and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child abuse, and Ruby was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Shari has since become an advocate for child influencers, speaking out about the harmful effects of family vlogging. “No amount of money I received has made what I’ve experienced worth it,” she shared, reflecting on her painful childhood.
