Chidinma Adetshina is Miss Universe first runner-up
“Beauty with Brains and Humility….Our Queen#Chidinma.”
Nigerians have joined the rest of Africa in celebration as Chidimma Adetshina, 22-year-old beauty queen who represented Nigeria at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant finished as the first runner-up at the grand finale of the competition.
The grand finale of the 2024 Miss Universe held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, edging out 124 contestants from around the globe to win the crown.
However, the event witnessed an intriguing face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two beauty queens stood poised to claim the crown, but Miss Denmark ultimately won the highly coveted crown.
The new Miss Universe has taken over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
BRANDECONOMY reports that Adetshina expressed delight on her first runner-up feat in a post-event interview video clip posted on the X page (formerly twitter) of the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation.
She said: “I’m so excited. I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling right now, but I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history!”
This was followed by another post by the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation, eulogising her: “Beauty with Brains and Humility….Our Queen#Chidinma.”
She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
As the highest ranked African Contestant of this year’s competition, this marks the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.
BRANDECONOMY reports that Adetshina made history earlier this year by winning Miss Universe Nigeria after withdrawing from Miss South Africa pageant that was marred with controversies.
South African bullying
She was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent, and a Mozambican mother who is accused of allegedly committing identity fraud in South Africa.
The Law student and model, who was raised in Cape Town, was a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant, but faced severe online harassment and bullying over her Nigerian roots.
Hash 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 citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.
How Miss South Africa withdrew
Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa, who is represented her country at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, pulled out of the competition over health concerns barely 48 hours to the grand finale.
BRANDECONOMY reports that the Miss South Africa organisation announced her exit from the competition in a statement shared on its X page(formerly Twitter) on Friday.
The grand finale of the global beauty pageant competition is scheduled to hold on November 17 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico .
“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.
“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,” the organisation said.
The statement quoted the beau Mia Le Roux as saying,” 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.”
BRANDECONOMY reports that Mia Le Roux was recently crowned Miss South Africa in a pageant marred with controversies, resulting to the withdrawal of Nigerian-born finalist, Chidimma Adetshina.
Adetshina, born and raised in South Africa, faced online harassment and bullying over her Nigerian roots, highlighting deeper issues of inclusivity and acceptance.
Social media attacks targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.
She eventually announced her withdrawal from the competition citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.
Adetshina, who is representing Nigeria at the ongoing Miss Universe, was invited back home to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria, a prelude to the global event, and she emerged winner.
