Chidimma Adetshina, the recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has responded to the allegations of identity theft in South Africa. Chidimma’s mother is reportedly a Mozambican who obtained South African citizenship, but her father is an Igbo who was born in 2001 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
During this year’s Miss South Africa competition, the topic surrounding her nationality surfaced, sparking a backlash from South Africans.
Also, Chidimma eventually withdrew from the competition due to accusations made by the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa, stating that initial information suggested that Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
The 23-year-old refuted the charges in an interview with Arise TV that went viral on Saturday, saying, “I didn’t steal anyone’s identity.” She declined to provide more information, though, citing the ongoing investigation and her need to avoid creating inconsistencies.
She said, “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.”
On August 14, Chidimma accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she was recently crowned the winner.
Addressing her victory, she dismissed claims that she won out of pity, insisting that she underwent the same challenges as other contestants.
“A lot of people felt like it was a pity win and I do not think so. I feel like I really worked hard. Coming from the SA journey, we spent 10 weeks in camp,” she said.
“It might have been a slight difference but I feel like, if we have to look at the journey that we have all been through, I feel like I had the same experience that they did.”
