Mia Le Roux – the only profoundly-deaf, or differantly-abled – woman to enter Miss Universe has indirectly accused organisers of not doing enough to include her in the pageant.
The South African beauty queen broke her silence after withdrawing from the competition on the eve of the finale in Mexico last weekend.
Mia is currently back in the country.
MIA LE ROUX INDIRECTLY SHADES MISS UNIVERSE
Addressing the public for the first time, Mia Le Roux explained how her health had suffered during the Miss Universe prelims.
The model and activist mentioned vertigo, a sensation that hearing-impaired people experience, which causes dizziness, nausea, and even fainting.
Mia explained how she made the call to step down just minutes before her national costume reveal. Her decision was supported by Miss SA’s Steph van Weil and Creative Director Werner Wessels.
However, the Miss Universe pageant has yet to address the South African’s early exit.
Seemingly addressing them, Mia Le Roux said in her video clip: “I am differently abled. And it is not enough to just open doors. But we need to have systems in place to foster true Inclusivity.
She added: “I hope this experience can help educate the world of pageantry and beyond.”
In the comment section, followers picked up on her message, which was indirectly aimed at the Miss Universe pageant.
@thulisile_malinga: “May the Miss Universe do better going forward. Mia is the first case, and therefore, this may be a great way for them to evaluate their policies and flexibility.
@whitehouse.janet: “Inclusivity means making adjustments to accommodate differently abled people in all aspects. Not a ‘shape up or ship out’ attitude“
Celebrity designer Juan William Aria – who created many of Mia Le Roux’s looks – also commented.
He posted: “I really hope the pageantry community will learn from this. So that they can be well informed and better prepared for needs, requirements, and challenges differently abled people face. If an organisation claims to be inclusive, they need to ensure they are educated.
As did Werner, who helped Demi-Leigh Tebow (nee Nel-Peters) and Zozi Tunzi win the pageant in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Praising Mia, he added, “The strength and resilience you have shown through this last week is something that will forever stay with me. And I, like I’ve told you a million times before, am forever proud of you!
CONTESTANTS FORCED TO SIGN NDAS
Meanwhile, pageant bloggers are claiming that Mia Le Roux was not the only representative unhappy with Miss Universe organisers, whose CEO is Anne Jakrajutatip, also known as Anne JKN.
According to the bloggers, many representatives claimed that they were forced to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), which barred them from speaking publicly.
@missuupdates
Mia’s roommate Manshika Prasad – or Miss Fiji – also expressed her concerns with the pageant. Speaking on Instagram Live following the event, she said: “I think it’s essential that collectively, all of us girls come together and speak out about our experiences. And how not so empowering it was.
“This organisation is not it. I wouldn’t even let my own daughter do Miss Universe as long as this organisation is in charge. Someone needs to do something about it.”
@mrssalote Replying to @tloupridephotography Miss Universe Fiji decides to speak out against the Miss Universe Organisation. #greenscreen #greenscreenvideo #missuniverse #missuniverse2024 #missuniversefiji ♬ original sound – I am Ndeshi 🌻
WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED TO MIA LE ROUX AT MISS UNIVERSE?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
