Chidinma Adetshina, who emerged as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania after finishing second in the 2024 Miss Universe competition, has announced her retirement from pageantry.
“Finishing in the top 2 is still a shocker for me. Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,” Adetshina revealed in a heartfelt statement.
Her decision comes after enduring significant challenges, including cyberbullying, which left her hesitant to continue in the world of pageantry.
“People don’t understand how I felt; I was down and didn’t want to do Miss Universe. But I’m done with pageantry,” she stated. Adetshina expressed her desire to focus on personal growth and pursue further education, adding, “I want to focus on myself and who I am.”
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Despite stepping away, she remains optimistic about the future. “Hopefully, something is in store for me, but I’m happy I left on a great note,” she said.
Adetshina’s journey to international acclaim was fraught with controversy. Her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant brought her under intense scrutiny, with the South African Ministry of Home Affairs accusing her of fraud and identity crisis.
The accusations stemmed from her being a South African citizen by birth, despite her Nigerian heritage. Her mother faced allegations of identity theft, which led to the revocation of Adetshina’s South African citizenship in October.
“I haven’t been home or spoken to my lawyer yet, so I cannot make any statements. Once I have all the facts, I will provide clarity on the matter,” she said.
Adetshina’s rise to prominence, despite the challenges, has been celebrated by supporters worldwide. Her resilience and success as a global titleholder, despite the personal and legal hurdles, highlight her strength and determination.
As she steps away from the world of pageantry, Adetshina leaves behind a legacy of courage and grace, proving that adversity can be met with triumph.
