September 07, (THEWILL) – The recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has finally addressed the claims of identity theft in South Africa.
Chidimma was born in 2001 in Soweto at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her father is of Igbo descent while her mother is reportedly a Mozambican who had become a naturalised citizen of South Africa.
The model sparked controversy during this year’s Miss South Africa pageant due to her nationality. This led to a surge of criticism on social media, particularly from South Africans.
Chidimma later withdrew from the Miss South Africa contest. Her withdrawal came after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
Speaking on the matter, the 23-year-old denied any wrongdoing, saying: “I didn’t steal anyone’s identity”.
The young model, however, declined to elaborate, citing ongoing investigations and concerns about potential contradictions.
“I did not steal anyone’s identity. Obviously, I am still waiting on the conclusion of the whole case and matter, then moving forward, I will know exactly what to say.
“Because I feel like now if I say something and something comes out tomorrow, it could be like but you said this then something else. I am just avoiding all those two things contradicting one another,” she said.
On August 14, the model accepted the invitation to participate in this year’s Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and emerged as the eventual winner.
Speaking on her victory, Chidimma also dismissed insinuations that she won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant out of pity.
She argued that she went through the same rigorous experience as all contestants, adding: “I worked hard to earn my title.”
