Model Jesinta Franklin admits her children will experience ‘racism at some stage in their lives’

Jesinta Franklin has acknowledged that her children are likely to experience ‘racism’ in their lives.

In an interview for the August issue of Marie Claire Australia, the 29-year-old model admitted she worries for her daughter Tullulah, 17 months, and son Rocky, four months, who she shares with Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, who is Indigenous Australian.

Jesinta said it devastates her to know that her children will be faced with discrimination in their lives. 

‘As parents, we’re trying to raise Lulu and Rocky to be resilient and to stand up for themselves,’ she explained.

‘It’s heartbreaking to know they will face prejudice and racism at some stage in their lives – it’s not about if, it’s about when – but they’ll know that kind of behaviour isn’t OK.’

The former Miss Universe Australia 2010 said while she’s ‘guided’ by her 34-year-old AFL star husband, she’s ‘also taken the initiative to educate myself’. 

‘I’ve never been judged for the colour of my skin, my culture, where I was born or who my parents are. It’s not my lived experience, but it is Buddy’s and his mum’s and sisters,’ she told the magazine.  

Jesinta said she’s determined to ensure her kids are connected to their culture, and wants to ‘be the best mum to our First Nations babies and the best ally I can be’. 

‘I feel like I have a big responsibility to ensure my kids can connect to culture and can continue to share their history and be the storytellers for the next generation,’ she added. 

Despite her concerns though, she remains optimistic that things will improve for her young children in the future.    

‘I hope that the future is bright for them, that they can be themselves truly and fully, and that they’re kind to others,’ she said. 

Jesinta graces the cover of Marie Clarie with her newborn son.