CHIDINMA Vanessa Adetshina, recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has tearfully shared her harrowing experience in South Africa, where she faced accusations of identity theft and controversy.
In an emotional interview, Adetshina spoke about feeling unwelcome and unaccepted in the country where she spent 23 years of her life.
Adetshina, who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amidst questions about her nationality and allegations against her mother by South Africa’s Home Affairs, described her ordeal as “horrible” and “heartbreaking.” Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in both her South African and Nigerian heritage.
“I was made to feel like I wasn’t South African enough because of my name. It was really hard to see,” she said. “I lived there for 23 years, and it’s heartbreaking to feel unwelcome and unaccepted.”
The controversy, which also involved statements from South Africa’s Home Affairs about her mother’s ID, has become a legal matter, preventing her from commenting further on the specifics. However, Adetshina emphasized her identity, stating, “I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian.”
Adetshina also revealed her plans to seek therapy to address the emotional impact of her experience. “It’s not a nice feeling. I’ve been avoiding it, but now it’s starting to affect me. I’ll work on it and see a therapist because I’ve been suppressing my emotions. It’s something really major,” she added.
Her story highlights the personal struggles behind public figures and the complex intersection of identity and heritage.
Credit: Platinum Post News
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