Miss South Africa Pulls Out of Miss Universe Over Health Issues
Mia Le Roux, the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has announced her withdrawal from the Miss Universe competition due to health issues. In a statement released on Friday by the Miss South Africa Organisation, Le Roux expressed deep gratitude for the support she had received from South Africans. She described the decision as a difficult one but emphasized that it was necessary to focus on her health.
Le Roux acknowledged the weight of the responsibility she felt as Miss South Africa, saying, “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. 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.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation stood by Le Roux, supporting her decision and prioritizing her well-being. The organization praised her resilience, stating, “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health.”
Le Roux’s withdrawal comes amid a controversial year for the Miss South Africa pageant. One of the major controversies involved Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant of Nigerian and South African heritage, who withdrew from the competition after facing backlash on social media regarding her nationality. Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, Adetshina’s participation sparked an investigation by the South African Home Affairs Ministry over allegations of identity theft linked to her mother. Amid the controversy, Adetshina was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, where she was crowned winner.
Following these events, Le Roux, who is of Dutch Boer descent, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024. Despite the challenges surrounding the pageant this year, Le Roux’s decision to step back from the Miss Universe competition has highlighted her commitment to health and recovery. Her fans and the Miss South Africa Organisation continue to support her, with many hoping she will return to full strength in the future.
