Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux Withdraws from 2024 Miss Universe Competition Due to Health Concerns

Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Miss Universe competition, citing health issues.

The highly anticipated global beauty pageant is scheduled for November 16, 2024, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.

In a statement released by the Miss South Africa Organisation, Le Roux’s departure from the competition was attributed to ongoing health concerns. The statement expressed deep regret and emphasized the priority of her well-being.

“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,” Le Roux shared.

“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 expressed admiration for Le Roux’s courage and grace during 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.

Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.”

Le Roux made history earlier this year when she became the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa in August, following a pageant marked by controversy.

In her acceptance speech, she strongly committed to inspiring marginalised individuals and supporting those with disabilities or financial barriers. She vowed to use her platform to uplift voices often excluded from mainstream society.

Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old, Le Roux received a cochlear implant to assist with sound perception. Her journey to success involved years of overcoming significant challenges, including two years of speech therapy before she could speak her first words.

Le Roux’s Miss South Africa victory came amidst significant controversy. Earlier in August, another finalist, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, withdrew from the competition after facing online harassment and bullying due to her Nigerian roots.

The backlash revealed broader issues of inclusivity and acceptance within the pageant community.

Chidimma, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, had garnered significant attention as a finalist, but her participation sparked heated debate due to questions about her South African identity.

Despite meeting all competition requirements, Chidimma faced social media attacks targeting her Nigerian heritage, which led her to announce her withdrawal, citing concerns for her and her family’s safety.

Her statement, posted on Instagram, was a response to the ongoing controversies surrounding her nationality and was made in light of the continued pressure from South African authorities, despite the organisers’ confirmation of her eligibility.