Franki Russell Out of Miss Universe 2024
FRANKI RUSSELL – The actress’s dream of competing in Miss Universe 2024 was dashed when the local license holder, Yugen PR, canceled their franchise for Miss Universe New Zealand due to non-compliance with an unspecified order from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). This decision was announced on Instagram on July 30, 2024, by Ian Borromeo, Managing Director of House of Yugen.
The cancellation means Franki, a former Pinoy Big Brother Otso housemate, will not represent New Zealand in Miss Universe 2024. Speculation arose that her past roles in films under Vivamax, such as “Pabuya,” “Tag-init,” and “Laruan,” might have influenced this decision, as they could jeopardize her participation in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe.
Franki, half-Filipino and half-New Zealander, was announced as New Zealand’s representative by the Dubai-based magazine Xpedition on March 22, 2024. The magazine highlighted her as an exceptional woman reshaping traditional views of womanhood. Franki was eager to use her platform to address cyberbullying, a significant issue among the youth in New Zealand and worldwide.
She saw her appointment as Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 as a new chapter in her life, a ten-year journey that began when she first applied for Miss Universe New Zealand in 2014 at the age of 19. Reflecting on her journey, she dedicated this new chapter to her late father, who taught her to find positivity in every day, and thanked her Filipina mother and siblings for their support. She also expressed gratitude to Josh Yugen, her manager, and the Yugen Group team, along with her other supporters.
In 2021, Franki joined Miss Universe UAE, emphasizing the importance of diversity and celebrating women of all cultural backgrounds. Despite some criticism for competing in another country’s pageant, she viewed it as an opportunity to challenge herself and grow. Unfortunately, the Miss Universe UAE pageant was canceled due to insufficient preparation time.