Former Miss Universe contestant Jesinta Franklin has opened up about the “confronting” moment she was encouraged to undergo breast augmentation.
Speaking on Bec Judd and Jess Roberts’ Vain-Ish podcast, the 2010 Miss Universe Australia winner, now 34, recalled the lengths she went to to become a top contender within the pageantry circuit.
When asked about her “vainest” moment, Franklin did not hesitate before answering: “Getting a boob job to win Miss Universe Australia.”
Watch the video above.
Jesinta Franklin has opened up about the pressure to undergo breast augmentation within the pageantry circuit. Getty Images for NGV
After successfully competing at the state level, she’d received advice from an individual within the pageantry world on how best to achieve national recognition.
The then-18 year old was told that while she had the potential to progress and continue winning, this could only be achieved by making a significant modification to her appearance.
“I got pulled aside and they were like, ‘Look, you have the ability to go the whole way. You are our number one pick. We think you could go great overseas, but you have no boobs,'” the former pageant queen recalled.
“I was 18 at the time, and that was quite a confronting conversation to have, because it was something that I hadn’t ever really thought about.”
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She ultimately made the decision to get the surgery, and largely credits her Miss Universe Australia win to that move. Getty
She went on to place highly on the international stage in the Miss Universe pageant. Getty
After discussing the surgery with her parents, she ultimately made the decision to go under the knife in pursuit of the coveted national title.
She would go on to cinch the Miss Universe Australia crown – and place within the top three at the international Miss Universe pageant later that same year.
Although harbouring “mixed feelings” about the life-altering decision, Franklin acknowledged that it had certainly opened doors for her.
But part of her remains conflicted about the decision, even now.
“It’s hard to say I regret it, but it’s something I wish I hadn’t done, if that makes sense.”
