In an inspiring moment at the Miss Universe competition held in Mexico City on November 16, 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, representing Nigeria, showcased her resilience and tenacity by securing the second position in the prestigious beauty pageant. This remarkable achievement not only highlights her personal accomplishments but also signifies a historic moment for representation as she has been recognized as Miss Africa and Oceania, making her the highest-placed black African woman in the Miss Universe pageant since South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi won in 2019.
Adetshina expressed her profound pride in her achievement, stating, “I’m so proud of myself and I just made history,” immediately after being announced as the runner-up to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Her journey to this point, however, has been marked with challenges, particularly in her battle against online trolls and xenophobic criticism. Initially born and raised in South Africa, the Miss Nigeria contestant faced significant backlash due to her Nigerian heritage, leading to an array of public disputes over her identity.
The complexities of her situation intensified when South African authorities revealed intentions to revoke Adetshina’s official identification documents based on allegations of identity fraud related to her mother’s nationality. Her mother, who hails from Mozambique, was accused of mishandling her identity to secure South African citizenship, raising questions about Adetshina’s own legitimacy to compete in South African competitions. This wave of allegations left many uncertainties about her status and identity, particularly in the wake of public scrutiny.
Despite these hurdles, Adetshina’s resolve became evident as she ultimately decided to participate in the Miss Nigeria competition, which she won convincingly to earn her spot in the Miss Universe contest. Her victory not only provided her a platform to showcase her charisma and beauty but also served as a counter-narrative to the negativity she faced previously.
The former Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, who was the assumed contestant for her country in Miss Universe, withdrew from the competition shortly before the event due to undisclosed health concerns, which further underscored the peculiar dynamics surrounding Adetshina’s participation.
Even amidst her success, Adetshina addressed her emotional well-being, indicating that she is seeking therapy to cope with the trauma induced by the earlier xenophobic remarks and the bullying she experienced during her reign as a beauty queen. Her resolve to confront these personal battles openly reflects a courageous step towards advocating for mental health awareness, particularly within the framework of competitive beauty pageantry.
Media responses to her recent success have been varied. While some South Africans celebrated her achievement, indicating a source of national pride, others dismissed her, arguing that she does not represent the national identity fully. During a BBC interview, she skillfully acknowledged her dual heritage, identifying herself as “proudly South African” and “proudly Nigerian,” which invites a deeper dialogue on national identity amidst the realities of globalization and multiculturalism.
Additionally, Adetshina’s statement about cherishing her background stands in stark contrast to the reactions she received on social media after her placement. For example, the official Miss Universe South Africa Twitter account congratulated her on her accomplishment while highlighting both national flags, an action that sparked arguments about the legitimacy of her representation among various social strata.
In conclusion, Chidimma Adetshina’s rise in the Miss Universe competition serves as a testament not only to her individual strength but also to the broader conversation regarding identity, nationality, and the impact of social media on personal narratives. Her story resonates across continents, encouraging dialogue around acceptance and validation, reminding the world that beauty, in all its forms, transcends borders and unites diverse cultures.
