GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Filipina-Kiwi Franki Russell to represent New Zealand in Miss Cosmo 2024
Following her Miss Universe New Zealand dethronement, Franki Rusell was appointed as the country’s representative for the upcoming Miss Cosmo pageant.
Miss Cosmo Organization shared the news on Friday, introducing Franki to its social media followers.
“Franki Russell is a professional film and television actress who has starred in several movies and TV series in Asia and the Philippines,” the organization said. “She is a brand ambassador, social media influencer, model, and cyberbullying advocate.”
“Last May, she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, the most prestigious film industry event in the world.”
Franki was appointed Miss Universe New Zealand in March.
Five months later, she unpinned her appointment photos on her Instagram after House of Yugen canceled their franchise this year.
In an interview with Boy Abunda, she said that she was dethroned because of her previous work and films with Viva.
“It made me have so many questions. It made me think ‘Am I less of a woman because I have done this? Masama ba akong tao?' ‘Di ba? Because I’ve portrayed a role in a movie. I’m never going to say names, but there are past contestants who I love that have mas malala compared to me,” she said.
Asked about her message for the Miss Universe Organization, Franki thanked the organization for giving women a chance to share their advocacies, but hopes the organization would “think about what you mean when you say inclusivity.”
Meanwhile, the Philippines will be represented in Miss Cosmo 2024 by Ahtisa Manalo.
—Carby Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News
