Mia le Roux Withdraws from Miss Universe Pageant

Mia le Roux, who was slated to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe finals this weekend in Mexico, has withdrawn from the competition, organizers announced, citing health reasons. The 28-year-old achieved a historic feat in August by becoming the first deaf woman ever to be crowned Miss South Africa. This followed a contest marred by controversy, which saw one finalist pull out after facing online harassment regarding her Nigerian heritage. She had spent several weeks in Mexico preparing for the grand finale of the esteemed beauty contest. The Miss South Africa organization stated that Ms. Le Roux’s health and well-being “are our utmost priority” and committed to supporting her until she “returns to full health.” This late withdrawal means South Africa will not have a representative at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, where Ms. Le Roux was one of 120 beauty queens competing for the coveted title. “Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me,” she conveyed in the statement. “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.” She has not disclosed the specific nature of her health issue. The Miss South Africa organization remarked that Ms. Le Roux demonstrated “incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period.” The organization added, “Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.” Last month, Ms. Le Roux expressed her excitement about the chance to represent South Africa on the Miss Universe stage, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my voice to be heard.” She had indicated then that she hoped to display her country’s “beautiful diversity.” She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and uses a cochlear implant to assist her in perceiving sound. In a previous interview, she mentioned that it took two years of speech therapy before she was able to speak her first words. She spoke passionately about her journey, acknowledging the challenges she has encountered. For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Learn about our approach to external linking.