South Africans launch petition to bar Chidimma Adetshina from Miss Universe

31 Oct 2024, 17:39 by Deborah Bodunde · TheCable Lifestyle

Progressive Forces, a South African group, has launched a petition to prevent Chidimma Adetshina from competing in the Miss Universe 2024.

The newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria recently arrived in Mexico to represent the country at this year’s global competition in November.

Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, the model sparked controversy during this year’s Miss South Africa pageant due to her nationality.

This led to a surge of criticism on social media, particularly from South Africans. Chidimma would later withdraw from the contest.

Her withdrawal came after South Africa’s department of home affairs (DHA) alleged that preliminary evidence suggested her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.

Authorities in South Africa recently announced plans to revoke Chidimma’s identity and travel documents.

In the wake of the development, Progressive Forces of South Africa petitioned Miss Universe organisers to prevent Chidimma from participating in the competition.

The group argued that her involvement in the contest could jeopardize the integrity of the Miss Universe brand.

The petition, which was initiated on Wednesday, has since recorded over 1,000 signatures.

“We are greatly concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose mother Anabela Rungo, has been found guilty of committing identity fraud,” the petition reads in part.

“On the 29th of October, Home Affairs cancelled the identities of Anabela Rungo and Chidimma Adetshina by court order.

“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with Miss Universe to reconsider the contestant and if possible, to cancel her entry.

“We would hate to see the pageant losing its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen.

“Not only did this contestant bring her own country into disrepute, but her participating in this iconic pageant would also bring Africa into disrepute.

“Throughout this, the contestant, her mother, the embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian government have been arrogant and has shown no remorse.”

Chidimma had previously denied wrongdoing, saying “I didn’t steal anyone’s identity”.

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