Francesca Hung was Australia’s entrant to the Miss Universe pageant, but she became better known for being involved in a scandal during the competition – an event that had far reaching consequences for her.
Out of 93 countries, she made it all the way to the Top 20, but ultimately fellow Australian, Miss Philippines Catriona Gray took out the title, winning Miss Universe 2018.
WATCH: Miss Australia talk to The Morning Show about the iconic show.
Skyping in at 5:30am Bangkok time to The Morning Show, Hung chatted to hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, confessing that bad publicity may have harmed her performance, and admitting the pressure got to her. But despite it all, she was full of praise for the winner.
Gillies asked, “You said your biggest threat was Miss Philippines was because she’s half Aussie. What’s she like?”
“She’s like any other Aussie. She grew up in Australia so she has the same values and ideals.
She was born for this role. She’s a well brought up pageant girl.”
As for what she’ll be like in the new role, “She’ll be amazing.“
It wasn’t all smiles and pageantry for the 24-year-old.
Hung addressed her controversial comments with Miss USA against non-English speaking contestants.
WATCH: Miss Australia believes she knows what may have cost her Miss Universe title
Asked if she was worried if it affected her chances, she said, “Yes! Nobody would tell you if it did, however in the days leading up to the final I did think about it.”
“I’ll never know.”
Hung received harsh criticism online.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that before. It was online abuse. I spent three days in tears. I had my first panic attack.”
“It’s hard when you’re here – you don’t have your family.”
“I can’t change other people’s perspectives on me.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
