The competition’s organizers have revealed that Mia le Roux, who was scheduled to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe finals this weekend in Mexico, has withdrawn due to health concerns.
After a contentious competition in which one contestant withdrew after being ridiculed for her Nigerian ancestry, the 28-year-old made history in August by becoming the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa.
She had been in Mexico for weeks getting ready for the famous beauty contest final.
Ms. Le Roux’s health and well-being “are our utmost priority” and the Miss South Africa organization promised to help her until she “returns to full health” in a statement.
