Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina, whose citizenship is under investigation by Home Affairs. Miss Universe Nigeria have extended their support to Chidimma Adetshina, after her withdrawal from Miss SA, and invited her their 2024 pageant. Adetshina became the subject of xenophobia on social media with many, including Cabinet ministers, questioning her citizenship.
Her withdrawal came after the Department of Home Affairs shared it had found prima facie evidence suggesting the person it had on record as her mother might have committed fraud and identity theft. Miss Universe Nigeria have invited former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina to their 2024 pageant after her withdrawal from the local competition. Adetshina became the subject of xenophobia and bullying on social media with many, including Cabinet ministers, questioning her citizenship.
Her withdrawal came hours after the Department of Home Affairs on Wednesday said it had found prima facie evidence suggesting the person it had on record as her mother might have committed fraud and identity theft. READ | Chidimma Adetshina withdraws from Miss SA "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 me," the 23-year-old shared in a brief statement on social media . Miss Universe Nigeria extended their "support and encouragement" following the recent events.
"We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments regarding your decision to bow out of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant," the organisation said in a statement from national director Guy Murray-Bruce on Friday. "We acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may be facing," the statement continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA (@missuniverseng) "We believe that your journey in the world of pageantry is far from over and that there are still numerous opportunities for you to showcase your talent, grace, and beauty.
" The organisation extended the invitation due to Adetshina's Nigerian heritage. The statement said: This is an opportunity to represent your father's native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender. "We encourage you to consider this opportunity and take part in a competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women.
"Should you wish to participate, all you need to do is respond to this invitation, and we will be delighted to guide you through the next steps." Pop star Tyla reacted to the news of Adetshina's Miss Nigeria invitation on social media. "Disappointed that this happened to her, but wish you all the best girl.
Kill it!" she wrote. I will always stand with South Africa, i just feel regardless of the opinions..
. She was bullied and that’s what I don’t stand for. — Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) August 10, 2024 "I will always stand with South Africa, I just feel regardless of the opinions.
.. She was bullied and that's what I don't stand for," Tyla added in another post.
Numerous other local celebrities have also extended their support to Adetshina and spoken out about the xenophobic bullying she has experienced. "If she was a white girl and she was half French, half something else, you guys might have never even noticed, but because her name is what it is now, it's a big deal," said actor and musician Pearl Thusi. We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives.
Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered. Join News24 today Related Links Patriotic Alliance drops court action after Chidimma Adetshina withdraws from Miss SA Celebs rally in support of Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina against online bullying Fred Khumalo | Miss SA Afrophobia: Attacks on Chidimma Adetshina betray critics' own self-loathing.
