Nigerian and South African internet warriors got a fresh ground for sparring yesterday: the unexpected withdrawal of Miss South Africa from the ongoing Miss Universe beauty contest in Mexico.
Mia le Roux who had spent weeks in the host country preparing to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe finals today pulled out of the competition, citing health concerns.
The 28-year-old had been crowned Miss South Africa in August following the nationality controversy that forced Nigerian Chidinma Adetshina to withdraw.
Chidinma is now representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe finals.
Le Roux gave no details of her health status that prompted her withdrawal.
The details were provided much later by the Miss South Africa organisers who said the hearing-impaired Le Roux had been struggling over the past fortnight and the decision to withdraw was not an easy one.
They added: “Mia ,because of her condition,has been suffering from severe vertigo. As we are all aware deafness affects balance. The vertigo posed a severe health risk for her further participation.”
But some South Africans ‘saw’ the hands of Nigerians in Le Roux’s fate.
“Chidimma, … and the whole Nigeria Community to Our Miss Universe South Africa Mia Le Roux…. The fact remains they won’t overpower us, they’ll be stuck with this witchcraft… Prayers to our Mia Le Roux,” said AMO @Only-Botake in a salvo against Nigerians.
Attached to the text were voodoo pictures.
S.A.L.A.K.O @UnkleAyo,obviously a Nigerian said: “Spending weeks writing letters petitioning for Chidinma to be dropped off, Miss Universe competition. Only for your own candidate to fall ill and withdraw on her own volition. The universe delivering poetic justice with a giant middle finger, to South Africans.”
A South African ,Kgothatso Mabunda@Kgothatsomc,said: “Guess what… Nigeria gained. Why drag South Africa.”
Another Nigerian,Sir-Bobby@iam_Fliq said: “Miss South Africa withdrawing from the Miss Universe competition a day before the finale isn’t what anyone wants to hear right now!!! We cooking South Africans today!!! Cookn’t we ???”
Le Roux in her withdrawal statement said: “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.
“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.”
