Chidimma Adetshina is reflecting on her difficult decision to step down from the Miss SA pageant, pending backlash from the public over her identity. This comes as the beauty queen has reportedly fallen out with the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria competition.
In a strange turn of events, the model and mother of one went from representing South Africa to Nigeria just a few weeks later.
Chidimma was born to a Malawian mother and a Nigerian father. Her mother was arrested earlier this year after the Department of Home Affairs discovered she had committed identity fraud when registering her daughter’s birth.
CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA REFLECTS ON STEPPING DOWN FROM MISS SA
In an Instagram Story on Sunday, 10 August, Chidimma Adetshina marked the moment Mia Le Roux was crowned Miss SA a year ago. The occasion was also a reminder that she was forced to step down amid widespread public backlash.
She shared: “Last year, this day, my dreams were shattered right in front of my eyes.”
She added: “But, I’m also grateful for this journey”.
Image via Instagram: @chichi_vanessa
Just a few days before the finale, Chidimma announced her early exit. In a statement, she shared: “Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey. However, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
She added: “Whoever wears the crown represents us all”.
Just a few days later, Chidimma would accept an invitation to be a last-minute finalist at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. She ultimately won the title on 31 August.
Fast forward a few months, and Chidimma would scoop the prize of Miss Universe runner-up in Mexico.
DRAMA WITH MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA?
Meanwhile, rumours are rife that Chidimma has fallen out with the organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria.
The South African-born beauty has unfollowed the official pageant account and confirmed with her followers that she will not be attending the 2025 event later this month.
Images via Instagram: @chichi_vanessa
According to pageant insiders, Chidimma sided with contestant Nyekachi Douglas, who revealed that she was asked to withdraw over new eligibility rules. She was also excluded from a high-profile event.
Chidimma has hinted that the Miss Universe Nigeria organisers ditched her soon after she was crowned.
DO YOU THINK CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA SHOULD HAVE BEEN CROWNED MISS SA INSTEAD?
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