Chidimma Adetshina, who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant due to intense online trolling over her Nigerian heritage, has announced her participation in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Beauty Pageant.
In a video that went viral on Wednesday, Chidimma expressed her excitement at being invited to participate in the Nigerian beauty contest. She conveyed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition, citing concerns for her safety and that of her family.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Chidimma faced harsh criticism on social media despite meeting all the requirements for the Miss South Africa competition. The backlash led her to step down from the pageant last Thursday, sparking discussions about inclusion and diversity within such contests.
Reflecting on the situation, Chidimma stated, “I express my gratitude to the incredible people who have shown me so much love and 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.”
Her withdrawal from Miss South Africa had triggered widespread outrage, especially among Nigerians who questioned the representation and diversity within the competition. This controversy was further fueled by the victory of Mia Le Roux, a contestant with white parents, which intensified debates on the implications of such outcomes for representation in beauty pageants.
