Miss Universe 2024 first runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina, has broken her silence on the emotional toll she endured following the global beauty competition, revealing her struggles with trauma and backlash over her Nigerian-South African heritage.
The beauty queen, whose journey to stardom has been marked by triumphs and trials, opened up during an Instagram live session, where she confessed to experiencing emotional turbulence. “I haven’t been okay, and I’ve just been in the dark,” Adetshina said candidly, her voice resonating with vulnerability.
A Controversial Rise
Born in South Africa to Nigerian parents, Adetshina’s path to the Miss Universe stage was far from ordinary. Initially competing in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, she faced criticism from some South Africans who questioned her eligibility due to her Nigerian ancestry.
The uproar became a trending topic on social media, with some accusing her of not being “South African enough,” despite being born and raised in the country. Undeterred by the controversy, Adetshina pivoted to represent Nigeria on the Miss Universe stage. Her performance won hearts worldwide, culminating in her being crowned first runner-up in the prestigious competition.
However, the acclaim did little to shield her from the shadows of past controversies. Reflecting on her decision to embrace her Nigerian roots, Adetshina noted, “It was a journey of self-discovery. I realized I couldn’t keep trying to fit into boxes created by others.”
Life After the Spotlight
Since the pageant, Adetshina admitted she has avoided public appearances and struggled to find normalcy in her life. Speaking about her absence from recent pageantry events and social media platforms, she said, “I don’t even come on Instagram. I think today is that one time that I was like, ‘Okay, let me just go live, let me just post.’”
The 24-year-old elaborated on her decision to step away from public events, citing the emotional scars left by her experiences. “There’s been a lot of trauma on a realistic level,” she said. “That’s why I didn’t attend all these pageantries that have been taking place.”
Her emotional turmoil has prompted her to focus inward. “Like I said before, I just need to focus on me, and by 2025 I know I’ll be fine. By the first of January, I will be okay,” she affirmed with optimism.
The Weight of Representation
Adetshina’s struggles shed light on the unique pressures faced by beauty queens, particularly those representing diverse identities. As one of the few contestants with dual heritage on the Miss Universe stage, her participation highlighted broader debates about nationality, identity, and inclusivity in global competitions.
Experts have long noted the psychological challenges beauty queens face, especially when they become symbols of broader sociopolitical issues. “Beauty pageants are no longer just about aesthetics. They are platforms for global representation, and that responsibility can be overwhelming,” said a cultural analyst, Dr. Tayo Oke.
Adetshina’s story also highlights the resilience required to thrive in such a competitive space. Her ability to rise above the initial backlash and deliver an exceptional performance speaks volumes about her strength and determination, even as she grapples with personal challenges.
A Vision for Recovery
Despite her emotional battles, Adetshina expressed hope for a brighter future, sharing her resolve to heal and move forward. She credited her family and close friends for their unwavering support during this trying time.
“I’m grateful for the people in my life who remind me of my worth,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but having the right people around makes a huge difference.”
Her plans for 2025 remain under wraps, but insiders suggest she may explore initiatives focused on mental health advocacy and cultural representation—issues that resonate deeply with her journey.
Lessons from the Miss Universe Journey
Adetshina’s story offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-love, and the importance of mental health in high-pressure environments. As she continues to navigate her journey, her transparency about her struggles has endeared her to fans and advocates alike, with many praising her bravery.
A supporter wrote on Instagram, “Chidimma, you are a queen in every sense of the word. Your honesty is inspiring, and we’re rooting for you.” Another commented, “Thank you for showing us that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. Take all the time you need to heal.”