After Pushing Out Chidimma, Miss SA's European Queen Drops Out Of Miss Universe; Twitter Speculates 'Fear Of Losing To Chidimma'

After facing afrophobic backlash for her Nigerian heritage, Chidimma was forced to leave Miss South Africa (Miss SA) by a segment of South Africans who criticized her foreign parentage. Ironically, these critics were dealt a bitter lesson when the Miss South Africa organizers crowned a white contestant, Mia Le Roux, as the winner, bypassing other black South African contestant entirely.

Chidimma, however, found a new opportunity to shine. She was invited to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she successfully pursued her dream of participating in the Miss Universe finals. Not only did she rank among the top three in public votes, but she also made it into the top 20—a testament to her resilience and rising global appeal. Meanwhile, Mia Le Roux, representing South Africa in the same pageant, announced her last-minute withdrawal due to health concerns after failing to make the top 20.

The Miss South Africa Organization released a statement expressing regret over Le Roux’s withdrawal, stating:
“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.”

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The organization praised Le Roux for her bravery during this challenging period, reiterating, “Her health and well-being are our utmost priority.” Le Roux herself expressed gratitude for her supporters, stating:
“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.”

Speculation Around Withdrawal
Despite the official statement, many believe Le Roux’s withdrawal was influenced by the growing tension between fans of her and Chidimma. Critics argue that Le Roux’s “limited potential” on the Miss Universe stage, combined with Chidimma’s overwhelming public support and remarkable comeback story, created an uncomfortable rivalry. Losing to Chidimma, who had previously faced hostility in South Africa, would have posed a significant national embarrassment for Le Roux’s supporters.

This speculation has fueled widespread discussions online, keeping both Chidimma and Le Roux trending for days.

Mia's decision to withdraw from the Miss pageant in Mexico is driven by incompetence rather than health concerns; she is simply trying to escape a humiliating defeat against Chidimma. pic.twitter.com/H52Ku6ZsMN

— Zimbabwean-Xhosa 🇿🇼 🇧🇼 (@SandileMakeba) November 15, 2024

Mara xenophobia is dangerous for this country.
We lost diamond because of idiots pic.twitter.com/mjiVwvIDBf

— Fighter Rakgadi 🇿🇦 🇷🇺 🇵🇸 (@Rakgadi_EM) November 15, 2024

These ones say she withdraw because of health reasons 🤣🤣🤣. Stop the cap. Come on, we all know why she pulled a Vinicius, but nobe me go talk am 😂

That Chidinma victory go too feed families. Can't wait 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/IwDHaqDNNe

— Princess Luna 🇨🇲 🇬🇧 (@princessluna237) November 15, 2024

Fellow Africans, just a quick update. Miss SA Mia Le Roux has withdrawn from Miss Universe competition. The event will be live on TV on Sunday at 4am CAT. Queen Chidimma for the win🥳 pic.twitter.com/FOrs8UUQ0Q

— Thuso van Zyl🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@Thuso1Africa) November 15, 2024

South Africa have lost here because of their xenophobic tendencies. As we speak South Africa have no representation in such a big event. pic.twitter.com/pPIw9H23Jp

— Fighter Rakgadi 🇿🇦 🇷🇺 🇵🇸 (@Rakgadi_EM) November 15, 2024

Mia's parents they were immigrants too. She takes a bold decision and refuse to represents and be the face of xenophobic nation. After consideration she turn down xenophobic support. That's great. Chidimma represents Us as well as Nigeria one love let her win🇿🇦🇳🇬❤️ pic.twitter.com/nNlYuINNkk

— Nicole Saunders🇿🇦🇸🇪❤️ (@NicoleSaun67062) November 15, 2024

The Xenophobic Republic was left with a very huge disappointment after Colonial Mistress representing them just decided to dump them in the middle of nowhere. pic.twitter.com/O0nmNWEa9a

— Zimbabwean-Xhosa 🇿🇼 🇧🇼 (@SandileMakeba) November 15, 2024

Chidimma’s journey has become a symbol of resilience and success in the face of adversity. Her ability to rise above criticism and thrive on the global stage highlights her strength and determination. As the Miss Universe finals continue to unfold, Chidimma’s story serves as an inspiration, proving that perseverance and grace can turn challenges into triumphs.

Our support for Chidimma is based on solidarity against Afrophobia and xenophobia. We are giving courage to South Africans who are born to foreign nationals and South African parents to realize they are not second-class citizens, and they have a right to represent their country pic.twitter.com/LI0hYoHIQS

— Zimbabwean-Xhosa 🇿🇼 🇧🇼 (@SandileMakeba) November 16, 2024