Buddy Franklin’s wife admits to using offensive language by calling someone ‘half’ Indigenous

Jesinta Franklin (née Campbell) has admitted to inadvertently using offensive language when referring to Indigenous Australians in the past.

The 29-year-old model, who is married to Aboriginal AFL player Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, told the August issue of Marie Claire Australia she previously made the mistake of referring to people as ‘half’ or ‘quarter’ Indigenous.

She said she used the ‘half’ and ‘quarter’ terminology – which many Indigenous Australians find offensive – while attending Australia Day events. 

‘I know I’m not always going to say the right thing but we can’t let the fear of asking the wrong questions stop us from having conversations,’ she added.

‘If you get something wrong, admit it, apologise and actively do better.’ 

Jesinta went on to say she often seeks guidance from members of the Indigenous community before discussing certain topics.

During the wide-ranging interview, Jesinta also acknowledged her children were likely to experience racism in their lives.

She 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.

She 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’.

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’.