Chidimma Adetshina, the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, has been celebrating her historic success, which she described as “shaking the universe.” Adetshina, who won the Miss Universe Africa and Miss Universe Oceania titles, shared a powerful message on social media expressing immense gratitude to Nigeria and Africa for supporting her in reclaiming her dreams. Her post read: “I came, I saw, and I shook the universe. Returning home as Miss Universe First Runner-Up and Miss Universe Africa & Oceania. I’m filled with immense gratitude for Nigeria and Africa for believing in me and helping me reclaim my dreams.”
However, her celebration has sparked mixed reactions, especially from South African social media users, many of whom have not forgotten her past identity theft case. The controversy stems from allegations that Adetshina had used a stolen South African identity, which has resurfaced amidst her recent post.
While some users have congratulated her on her achievements, many others have criticized her. Comments on her social media include reminders of her past, with one user, @PressPlaySA, remarking: “She forgot to say ‘I got a fake SA identity.'” Another user, @MonamaSolly, added, “I came, stole the identity of some poor Azanian, and went back home to Nigeria… the rest is history. What a story of identity theft.”
Despite the backlash, some of her supporters defended her, expressing shock at the level of hate she received. One supporter, @PennyLebyane, hinted that more may be revealed in the future, suggesting that “the story continues.”
Adetshina’s journey has been marked by both achievements and controversies, and as she celebrates her Miss Universe success, it seems her past may continue to spark debate on social media.
