- – Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina withdrew from Miss South Africa following a controversy over her Nigerian heritage and allegations against her mother.
- – Adetshina faced significant criticism and bullying from the public and the Department of Home Affairs, leading to her decision to step down.
- – Grammy-winning singer Tyla condemned the bullying Adetshina faced and expressed her support for the model, highlighting the issue on social media.
Controversy Surrounds Adetshina’s Withdrawal
Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla has condemned the bullying faced by Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a Miss South Africa finalist who recently withdrew from the competition following a dispute over her nationality.
Adetshina, a model with Nigerian, Mozambican, and South African roots, became embroiled in a controversy in July after qualifying for the round of 16 in the prestigious beauty pageant.
Despite her efforts and achievements, Adetshina faced significant backlash from various segments of the South African public and the Department of Home Affairs.
The Department alleged that her mother might have committed fraud and identity theft, which added fuel to the fire.
Social media platforms were awash with users opposing Adetshina’s participation, arguing that her Nigerian heritage made her ineligible for the title.
Consequently, she decided to step down from the competition despite being one of the Top 11 finalists.
Tyla Speaks Out Against the Harsh Treatment
Reacting to the unfolding events, Tyla expressed her disappointment over the hostile treatment Adetshina received. She highlighted that the model was effectively bullied out of the competition.
This perspective was shared via X (formerly Twitter), where Tyla penned a heartfelt message.
“Disappointed that this happened to her, but wish you all the best, girl. Kill it!” Tyla posted. She further expounded on her stance by adding, “I will always stand with South Africa; I just feel that regardless of the opinions… She was bullied, and that’s what I don’t stand for.”
While the controversy continues to simmer, Miss Universe Nigeria has stepped into the fray by inviting Adetshina to participate in their national contest.
In a statement released on August 9, the organization encouraged her to return to Nigeria and showcase her talents, representing her father’s homeland.
As of now, Chidimma Adetshina has not publicly responded to the invitation.
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This incident has sparked a broader conversation about identity, nationality, and inclusivity within competitive platforms like beauty pageants, and it remains to be seen how these dynamics will evolve moving forward.
