Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, tearfully recounted her distressing experience in South Africa, where she was embroiled in controversy and faced accusations of identity theft.
In an emotional interview, Adetshina recounted how she was made to feel unwelcome and unaccepted in the country where she was born and raised for 23 years.
Recall that Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to questions surrounding her nationality and allegations against her mother by the South Africa Home Affairs.
She expressed her pain and sadness, stating that the experience was “horrible” and “heartbreaking.”
Despite the challenges, Adetshina said she remains proud of her South African and Nigerian heritage.
“South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name, and it was really hard to see.
“It was a very horrible experience, and I would not wish it on anybody because I have lived there for 23 years. It is heart-breaking to see that I was not welcomed and accepted.
“A decision needed to be made, and it really hit social media as well. There were some statements that came out from Home Affairs with regard to my mom’s ID as well, and that is still a legal matter so I won’t comment on it.
“What I do know is that I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian”, she said.
Adetshina also acknowledged the need to address her suppressed emotions and plans to seek therapy to cope with the ordeal.
“It’s just not a nice feeling, I think I’ve been avoiding it a lot and only now it’s started to cloud me. It’s something I will work on and see a therapist because I feel like I have been suppressing my emotions… because of what has happened… it wasn’t a minor thing, it was actually really major”, she added.
