Phyna Criticizes Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina's Participation in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Sparks Backlash

Image: DP

Controversial reality TV star Josephine Ijeoma Otabor, better known as Phyna, has sparked a heated debate after expressing her concerns about the admission of Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a model of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, into the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant.

Adetshina had previously withdrawn from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest after facing scrutiny over her nationality, despite being a Top 11 finalist.

Following her withdrawal from the Miss SA pageant, Adetshina was invited to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria beauty contest. On Wednesday, she confirmed her participation in a video shared by the pageant organizers.

Reacting to the news on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, Phyna voiced her concerns that Adetshina's inclusion could disadvantage "typical Nigerian queens" who have been preparing for the pageant. She suggested that Adetshina take a break from pageantry this year and consider participating next time.

Phyna wrote: "Just thinking out loud oh. I’m in support of Chidimma o, but this one she now wants to rep us like this…. What will now happen to our own typical Nigerian Queens that have been preparing for it too, Omo I for advise her to leave pageant first or for this year… then go next tym.”

Phyna's comments quickly drew backlash, with many social media users condemning her perspective as divisive and unfair to Adetshina. Critics argued that Adetshina's mixed heritage should not disqualify her from representing Nigeria and that all contestants should be judged based on their merits rather than their background.

The controversy has highlighted the complexities surrounding identity and representation in international beauty pageants, with Phyna's remarks adding fuel to an already sensitive topic.

Source: DP

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