Entertainment
Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux Withdraws From Miss Universe
In a significant development for the Miss South Africa Organisation, reigning Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, citing health concerns.
The organisation confirmed Le Roux’s decision in a statement released on Friday, with the 24-year-old expressing her appreciation for the unwavering support she has received from South Africans.
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Le Roux described her decision as a “challenging” one, acknowledging the weight of expectations placed upon her. “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” Le Roux shared in her statement.
“Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.
“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.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation also extended its support to Le Roux, applauding her resilience during this difficult time. “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation said.
“Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health.”
Le Roux’s withdrawal comes after a year of controversies that have impacted the Miss South Africa pageant.
Earlier this year, the pageant made headlines when contestant Chidimma Adetshina, who has Nigerian and South African heritage, pulled out of the competition following social media backlash over her nationality.
Adetshina, 23, was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, but faced criticism about her cultural identity.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina deepened when South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs opened an investigation that reportedly uncovered allegations her mother may have committed identity theft.
Amid the fallout, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she went on to win.
Following these developments, Mia Le Roux, who has Boer heritage, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
While Le Roux’s decision to step down from Miss Universe has disappointed fans, her choice underscores the pressure and scrutiny pageant participants often face.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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