Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: A Controversial Release Criticized by Ruby Franke’s Daughter
The recently premiered Lifetime movie, Mormon Mom Gone Wrong, dramatizes the notorious case surrounding YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke. However, Ruby’s daughter, Shari Franke, has urged audiences to steer clear of what she deems a “trash”film.
Ruby Franke had faced mounting criticism prior to her arrest for her alarming tendency to showcase her children’s intimate experiences on the family’s YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. However, the situation escalated dramatically when, in August 2023, her 12-year-old son escaped through a window to seek help, leading to the revelation of extensive abuse inflicted by Ruby and her business associate, Jodi Hildebrandt.
Legal Consequences and Advocacy for Children
Following a thorough investigation, both Ruby and Jodi received hefty sentences, with each facing one to 15 years for aggravated child abuse, totaling a potential of 30 years in prison. This case has sparked critical discussions regarding the need for enhanced protections for children featured in family vlogs—a cause Shari has passionately advocated for since her mother’s incarceration.
Lifetime’s Dramatization and Family Reaction
Despite the significant media attention surrounding Ruby Franke’s case, Lifetime’s portrayal in Mormon Mom Gone Wrong has drawn sharp criticism from Shari. Expressing her distress, she shared via an Instagram Story, “I saw the trailer suddenly in class and had an anxiety attack. None of us were contacted about the movie. None of the proceeds are going to the kids. This movie is trash and only hurts my siblings more. Please do not support this movie.”
Shari has also taken direct action against individuals connected to the film. In response to a comment made by Ruby’s on-screen actress, Emilie Ullerup, she remarked, “You are so wrong for this. Leave us alone! DON’T AIR THIS MOVIE.”
Advocacy for Child Protection in Vlogging
Last month, Shari made headlines as she addressed the Utah House of Representatives, lobbying for stronger regulations to combat child exploitation in the vlogging realm. Drawing from her distressing experiences, she emphasized, “It is more than just filming your family life and putting it online. It is a full-time job, with employees, business credit cards, managers, and marketing strategies.”
Shari recounted moments that highlight the invasion of personal privacy, recalling incidents where her vulnerability was exploited for views. “Some of our most popular videos were when my eyebrow was accidentally waxed off, and the whole world saw a crying teenager who just wanted to mourn in private,” she illustrated. She described another painful episode, “Or the time I was violently ill and got the leading role in the video for that day. My friends became scarce because dates would be filmed and none of my friends wanted to be on camera.”
Despite 8 Passengers serving as the family’s primary income source, Shari criticized the tactics used to extract content from her and her siblings. She recalled being bribed with rewards such as “$100 shopping sprees” or “family vacations” in exchange for sharing embarrassing moments. Reflecting on her tumultuous childhood, Shari said, “If I could go back and do it all again, I’d rather have an empty bank account now and not have my childhood plastered all over the internet. No amount of money I received has made what I’ve experienced worth it.”
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