Chidimma Adetshina, who recently claimed the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania after finishing as first runner-up in the Miss Universe competition, has announced her decision to quit modelling and step away from beauty pageants.
Chidimma Adetshina Quits Modelling
The 26-year-old revealed her plans during an interview with Silverbird Television, citing personal challenges and the toll pageantry has taken on her.
“Finishing in the top two is still a shocker for me. Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,’’ Adetshina said.
Her announcement comes after a whirlwind year marked by controversy, cyberbullying, and success on the international stage.
Chidimma Adetshina Has Quit Modelling [Image: @chichi_vanessa/Instagram]She shared that the pressures and negative scrutiny surrounding her participation in pageants had been overwhelming.
“People don’t understand how I felt; I was down and didn’t want to do Miss Universe. But I’m done with pageantry, and I want to focus on myself and who I am and further my education. Hopefully, something is in store for me, but I’m happy I left on a great note,” she added.
The Miss South Africa Horror
Chidimma’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was marred by a citizenship controversy in South Africa. In August, the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs accused her of fraud and identity issues, citing her Nigerian descent and contesting her South African citizenship. Adetshina, born and raised in South Africa to Nigerian parents, withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid public backlash.
The accusations also implicated her mother, who was alleged to have stolen another person’s identity. These allegations led to an intense public debate about identity and belonging. After pulling out of Miss South Africa, Miss Universe Nigeria invited her, and she won.
When asked about the citizenship controversy, she said:
“People are very interested in the story. But as I haven’t been home or spoken to my lawyer yet, I cannot make any statements. Once I have all the facts, I will provide clarity on the matter.”