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Berlin, Germany – Jessi Hildebrandt, the niece of convicted child abuse perpetrator Jodi Hildebrandt and former family vlogger Ruby Franke, revealed she continues to live with the daily trauma inflicted by her aunt, suffering from severe, complex PTSD. The disclosure comes as Hildebrandt, currently incarcerated, challenged her conviction in March, claiming ineffective counsel.
The case, which garnered national attention through the four-part docuseries Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and influence, centers on allegations of systematic abuse and emotional manipulation of Franke’s children. Jessi Hildebrandt’s testimony and experiences have been central to understanding the extent of the alleged harm. “Between the shelter and here it’s a lot of iterations of myself and a lot of chapters and phases,” Jessi stated, reflecting on the years since leaving her aunt’s influence. “It feels like I’ve had many, many lifetimes between 17 and now.”
Jessi’s ongoing struggle underscores the lasting impact of the abuse, even after Hildebrandt’s conviction.She expressed a fervent desire for accountability, stating, “I just wont to see her held accountable. I want her to never have access to any vulnerable person ever again.I want her to never have access to anyone ever again.” The possibility of Hildebrandt’s release remains a constant source of fear. “The idea that she coudl somehow get herself out of this is terrifying to me,” Jessi said. “She has no moral framework. I think she believes in her own delusions that she really is doing God’s work.”
Hildebrandt’s legal challenge, reported by KTVX, alleges shortcomings in her previous legal representation. Her attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.The docuseries premiered on ID on September 1, 2024, bringing the case to a wider audience and prompting renewed discussion about the dangers of coercive control and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
