Mia le Roux, South Africa’s contestant at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico, has announced her last-minute withdrawal from the competition due to health reasons.
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Le Roux was the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa and was representing the country at the finals, taking place this weekend in Mexico City.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at age one, Le Roux uses a cochlear implant to perceive sound
The Miss South Africa Organisation issued a statement which said: “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 the le Roux had displayed “incredible courage and grace through this difficult period” and added “her health and well-being are our utmost priority.”
“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” le Roux said.
“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,” le Roux added.
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The statement did not disclose the nature of le Roux’s health concern.
On Wednesday she still said she was, “ready for the next couple of days,” after an interview with the judging panel.
The South African was among 130 contestants from around the world competing in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.
Mia le Roux made history in August by becoming the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa, following a contentious competition marked by controversy.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Le Roux expressed her desire to inspire those who feel marginalised or excluded from society. She emphasised her commitment to supporting individuals who face financial barriers or have disabilities, aiming to uplift and amplify their voices.
At just one year old, Ms. Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, and later received a cochlear implant to assist with sound perception.
Through determination and hard work, she overcame significant communication barriers, requiring two years of speech therapy to utter her first words.
The pageant was marred by the withdrawal of a finalist who faced online harassment and bullying over her Nigerian roots, highlighting deeper issues of inclusivity and acceptance.
Nigerian-born Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina announced her withdrawal from Miss South Africa competition earlier in August, citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.
Born in Soweto, South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother who is of Mozambican descent, Chidimma’s participation in the competition and her rise to become a finalist in the competition was a subject of controversy as many South Africans objected to her participation in the competition, citing that she is not truly a South African.
Social media attacks targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.
Chidimma’s withdrawal from the competition came in a statement she personally signed and posted on her Instagram page amid the continued controversies surrounding her nationality ignited by the South African authorities, despite organisers’ certification of her qualification.
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