Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa, has withdrawn from the 2024 Miss Universe competition due to health concerns. She expressed gratitude for the support from her fans but emphasized that her health must come first.
Mia Le Roux, the reigning Miss South Africa, has withdrawn from the 2024 Miss Universe competition, citing health concerns. The decision, made during the ongoing pageant in Mexico, has stirred up mixed reactions, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria.
In her statement, Le Roux expressed gratitude to her supporters, thanking South Africans for the overwhelming encouragement she received during her time as Miss South Africa. However, she emphasized that her health had to take priority, forcing her to step back from the competition.
While many fans expressed sympathy, a wave of controversy emerged online, with some South Africans blaming Nigerians for Le Roux’s withdrawal. A segment of South African social media users speculated that Nigerians had used "jazz" (a term often used to refer to witchcraft or black magic) to sabotage South Africa's chances in the Miss Universe competition. The accusation stems from the controversial withdrawal of Nigerian contestant Chidinma Adetshina earlier in the competition.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians have countered these accusations, calling Le Roux’s withdrawal “karma” for the treatment of Adetshina. This situation has fueled a deeper divide between the two nations in the context of the Miss Universe pageant.
The 2024 Miss Universe competition continues, with contestants from various countries, including Zimbabwe, now gaining increased attention.
