The Miss Universe stage, renowned for its celebration of beauty, grace, and intelligence, witnessed a compelling narrative unfold this year. Victoria Kjær Theilvig, representing Denmark, was crowned Miss Universe 2024 in a glittering ceremony held in Mexico City. Yet, amidst the fanfare and celebration, it was first runner-up Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Nigeria, who captured hearts and headlines, making history with her remarkable achievement.
Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was marked by unexpected turns and significant challenges. Her initial bid for the Miss South Africa title, a competition she entered due to her upbringing in the country, was met with a wave of online negativity and xenophobic attacks, fueled by the fact that her father is Nigerian. The situation escalated further when South African authorities announced their intention to revoke her identity papers following allegations of identity fraud against her mother, who has Mozambican roots.
Though both Adetshina and her mother have remained silent on these accusations, South African authorities clarified that Adetshina could not have been involved in any alleged fraud due to her age at the time. Undeterred by these tumultuous events, Adetshina set her sights on the Miss Nigeria competition, which she won, securing her place on the global platform of Miss Universe. This victory came shortly after the withdrawal of Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, from Miss Universe due to medical reasons, marking another unexpected turn in the lead-up to the competition. Le Roux, notably the first deaf woman to hold the Miss South Africa title, would undoubtedly have brought another inspiring story to the international stage.
Adetshina’s second-place finish at Miss Universe is not just a personal triumph; it represents a significant moment for Nigeria and for Africa. She is the highest-ranking Black African woman in the competition since Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa won the title in 2019. This achievement, coming in the wake of adversity and public scrutiny, is a testament to Adetshina’s resilience, determination, and grace.
In the aftermath of the competition, Adetshina shared her pride in her historic achievement. Her joy, however, was tinged with the lingering impact of the negative experiences she endured. In a candid social media post, she revealed her intention to seek therapy to process the trauma resulting from the online abuse. While messages of congratulations poured in, including a heartfelt message from the Miss Universe South Africa organization acknowledging her achievement with both South African and Nigerian flags, some individuals persisted in their negativity, denying that she represented them.
This incident highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between nationality, identity, and belonging. Adetshina’s experience underscores the urgent need for greater inclusivity and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.
Beyond the controversy, Adetshina’s story adds a new layer of meaning to the Miss Universe competition. Her accomplishment underscores the platform’s potential to empower women, to provide a voice for the underrepresented, and to inspire hope in the face of adversity. As Adetshina steps into her new role as a global representative, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of many, serving as a powerful reminder that beauty, resilience, and strength can emerge even from the most challenging circumstances.
