Shari Franke

Shari Franke is the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, the former YouTube personality behind the now-defunct channel 8 Passengers. Born into a family that gained fame for documenting their daily lives, Shari's upbringing was heavily influenced by the pressures and scrutiny of public life. As a teenager, she was featured prominently in the family's videos, which amassed millions of views and subscribers. However, behind the scenes, Shari and her siblings faced severe abuse, including physical punishment, starvation, and emotional manipulation. In August 2023, Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested and later convicted of aggravated child abuse, leading to Ruby's imprisonment.

In January 2025, Shari released her memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom, where she details her experiences growing up in a toxic environment and the impact of family vlogging on her life. The book serves as both a personal account and a cautionary tale about the ethical concerns surrounding the exploitation of children for online content.

Since stepping away from the public eye, Shari has become an advocate for children's privacy and well-being, sharing her story to raise awareness about the dangers of family vlogging. She has also testified before lawmakers, urging for stricter regulations to protect minors from exploitation in digital media.

Shari's journey from a child star to a survivor and advocate highlights the complexities and potential harms of growing up in the spotlight, offering valuable insights into the intersection of family dynamics and online fame.