A South African group called the Progressive Forces has written and submitted a letter to the Miss Universe organization requesting Chidinma Adetshina’s disqualification.
The 23-year-old was formerly contesting for Miss South Africa, but she announced her exit after a petition to have her disqualified due to her mother’s identity fraud was launched.
On Tuesday, the department of home affairs announced that Adetshina and her mother’s South African identity and travel documents would be cancelled.
The group started the petition on Wednesday to disqualify Chidinma as she arrived in Mexico for the prestigious competition.
“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you Miss Universe as an organisation to reconsider the contestant Miss Nigeria Universe and, if possible, to cancel her entry,” the petition read.
The letter, penned by the Progressive Forces of South Africa on behalf of citizens advocating for justice, implores the Miss Universe organization to disqualify Adetshina from the pageant. The activists argue that allowing her participation would compromise the pageant’s reputation for integrity and fair competition. They claim that Adetshina’s involvement tarnishes the prestigious Miss Universe brand, which has long prided itself on promoting positive role models for women around the world.
“We would hate to see the pageant losing its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen,” the letter reads, emphasizing that Adetshina’s participation not only brings Nigeria into disrepute but could also tarnish Africa’s image on a global scale.
We have sent an email to Miss Universe regarding Chidimma Adetshina.#NoToChimma#ChidimmaMustFall#NoToIDFraud pic.twitter.com/vtpQFmD7wQ
— Kwena Molekwa (@Miz_Ruraltarain) October 30, 2024