Jesinta defends controversial new gig

When model and WAG Jesinta Franklin was announced as the new ambassador for Cadbury Dark Milk chocolate, it prompted some serious backlash.

After all, the 25-year-old is known for her healthy lifestyle, and has even written a book all about clean eating, with the Daily Telegraph reporting that she once slammed soft drink, saying: “I don’t like to put that amount of sugar in my body…[and] people should also be very careful with fruit juice”.

But the star has taken to the Today Show to defend her new gig, saying her life is all about “balance”.

Speaking to hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic, Jesinta was quick to point out that she’s never totally slammed sugar.

“I've never promoted a totally sugar-free diet. I'm gluten free and that's the only thing I've ever said that I totally avoid,” she told the hosts.

In fact, the David Jones ambassador said that after she walks their fashion shows, she indulges in a “whole block” of chocolate.

“In my book, I write about balance. I love to go out…I love to have champagne, I love to eat the chocolate.

So often there's this message out there that you can only eat kale and only consume green juices and for me, it is about balance…indulging every now and again, it is actually so much healthier for you mentally.”

When asked her about the backlash from journalists about her new role, Jesinta remained unfazed.

“You know what, there have been some really nasty things written about me in the papers before. And much more personal things,” the model said.

“I think when you're in the public eye…people can say anything to make a story. If the worst thing that I can do is have a piece of chocolate, then bloody bring it on.”

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that the sweet deal, which saw Jesinta flown to London for a photo shoot, could be worth up to $250,000.

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“They wouldn’t have flown her to London in economy...the fact they’ve flown her over there, it’s a big deal,” celebrity agent Max Markson told the publication.

“It’s serious money…anywhere from $100,000 to a quarter of a million.”

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