Chidimma Adetshina, a 2024 Miss South Africa finalist who withdrew from the contest after being trolled for her Nigerian heritage, has accepted to participate in the forthcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Beauty Pageant.
Chidimma who spoke in a video that went viral on Wednesday said she is excited to have been invited by the organisers of the Nigerian beauty contest after what she recently faced in South Africa, her country of residence.
She said, “I express my gratitude to the incredible people who have shown me so much love and so much support. I have received an invitation from an organiser of the Miss Universe Nigeria Beauty Pageant.”
Chidimma who spoke in a video that went viral on Wednesday said she is excited to have been invited by the organisers of the Nigerian beauty contest after what she recently faced in South Africa, her country of residence.
She said, “I express my gratitude to the incredible people who have shown me so much love and so much support. I have received an invitation from an organiser of the Miss Universe Nigeria Beauty Pageant.”
“This is a great excitement because I have decided to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria Beauty Pageant 2024,” she added.
Chidimma was born in Soweto, South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother who is of Mozambican descent.
Chidimma Adetshina was a finalist of the Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant before she was forced to withdraw.
Social media attacks targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.
Adetshina eventually announced her withdrawal from the competition last Thursday, citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.
In the statement seen by SaharaReporters, Chidimma said, “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.
“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 myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
Nigerians had taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment over the online backlash against Chidimma, sparking a broader discussion on inclusion, diversity, and representation in the competition.
The controversy surrounds Mia Le Roux’s win, who, despite being born to white parents, emerged victorious over nine other predominantly black finalists to claim the coveted crown.
This revelation had fuelled the debate, with many questioning the implications of her win on representation and diversity.