Former Miss South Africa contestant and the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina earned first runner-up honors at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant on Sunday in Mexico.
Adetshina’s win comes after a period of controversy surrounding her identity as she faced criticism about the originality of her nationality.
Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig took home the coveted Miss Universe crown, with Mexico’s María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa coming in second runner-up.
Adetshina was born and raised in South Africa and grabbed the headlines in August when she was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant only days before the finale.
Reports indicate that the South African Department of Home Affairs alleged that Adetshina’s parents had committed identity fraud to obtain South African citizenship for her at the time of her birth.
Adetshina has always considered South Africa home, though her mother and father are from Mozambique and Nigeria respectively.
After the noise and controversy surrounding her nationality, Adetshina relocated to Nigeria and was granted a diplomatic passport that allowed her to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
Adetshina then went on to win the title in late August and secured her place in Miss Universe 2024.
Days after, South African groups, including the Progressive Forces for South Africa, petitioned for Adetshina to be excluded from the Miss Universe competition.
The South African Department of Home Affairs announced in late October that it had begun the process of revoking Adetshina’s national identity and travel documents.
Despite the ongoing debate in South Africa, the Miss Universe pageant marked a bittersweet moment for the country.
Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, unexpectedly withdrew from the competition due to health concerns.
In a statement from Mexico, the Miss South Africa Organisation stated: “It is with deep regret that we share the news that Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, has had to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns.”
Le Roux also expressed her gratitude for all the support she received along the way, stating: “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation also lauded Le Roux’s resilience and sent its support throughout the difficult time: “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.”
Adetshina expressed her gratitude to Nigeria for its support through her challenging journey in an Instagram post after she finished as first runner-up.
“To my dearest Nigerians, with open arms, you carried me on wheels made of the purest love and intentions. I still cannot fully comprehend the reasons, but what matters most is that you’ve given me a second chance at life. For a moment, my life flashed before my eyes, but in the next breath, Nigeria refueled my purpose and my reason to live,” Adetshina wrote.
“As I step onto the Miss Universe stage tonight, I carry with me over 2 million beads of love, strength, and an unstoppable spirit. In this very moment, history is being made through my story. I call upon all my ancestors to guide my path with ease and grace. I promise to give my very best while you continue to pray for me.”
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Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage has been marked by both personal challenges and triumph, as she continues to capture the hearts of Nigerians and pageant fans around the world.
