Mia le Roux pulls out of Miss Universe blaming 'health concerns'

Mia le Roux, South Africa's contestant at the Miss Universe beauty contest, has pulled out at the last minute over 'health concerns'.

It comes just weeks after Le Roux, 28, became the first deaf woman crowned Miss South Africa in August, as she was set to represent the country at the finals, taking place this weekend in Mexico City. 

She had spent weeks in Mexico preparing for the finale of the prestigious, yet scandal-hit beauty contest but the last-minute withdrawal means South Africa will not be represented at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant. 

The Miss South Africa Organisation issued a statement on its Instagram page which read: 'It is with deep regret that we share the news that Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, has had to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns'.

The organisation said Le Roux had displayed 'incredible courage and grace through this difficult period' and added 'her health and well-being are our utmost priority'.

Le Roux also made a statement which appeared in the post, saying: '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. 

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'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 details of the health concern remain unknown and were not specified in the statement. 

On Wednesday, following an interview with the judging panel, Le Roux claimed she was 'ready for the next couple of days,' not mentioning any signs of sickness.

Just last month, Le Roux expressed her excitement about the chance to represent South Africa on the Miss Universe stage, describing it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my voice to be heard'. 

She then said she hoped to display her country's 'beautiful diversity'.

Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and uses a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound.

The South African was among 120 contestants from around the world competing in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant and vying for the coveted title.

The announcement of her departure from the contest follows a dispute within the controversy-hit competition which saw one finalist withdraw after being trolled over her Nigerian heritage.

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Chidimma Adetshina, 23, withdrew from the country's competition 'for the safety and well-being of my family and 'after a backlash that exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa'.

Adetshina was born to a Nigerian father in South Africa, where she has citizenship.

Her Nigerian heritage attracted vicious xenophobic attacks and sparked controversy when she was announced as a finalist for the Miss South Africa contest in July, as the government said it was investigating a claim that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.

South Africa's minister of sports, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie posted on X saying: 'We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition'.

In another post he wrote: 'South Africans shouldn't be shamed and accused simply because they are asking needed questions of the lady that wants to represent them as Miss South Africa.' 

The nationality controversy notwithstanding, Adetshina insisted she loved South Africa and was grateful for the support from the country.

She will represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe competition this weekend.