Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa contestant, has withdrawn from the competition following a heated national controversy and legal action surrounding her citizenship status.

The decision comes after the Department of Home Affairs uncovered prima facie evidence of fraud and identity theft involving Adetshina’s mother, which has sparked a government investigation.

The controversy surrounding Adetshina, who has Nigerian heritage, intensified after the Ministry of Home Affairs alleged that her mother may have fraudulently obtained South African citizenship. The investigation, initiated by a request from the Miss South Africa organizers, revealed potential irregularities, including the possibility that Adetshina’s mother stole the identity of a South African woman when Adetshina was an infant.

Adetshina, 23, announced her withdrawal from the pageant on social media, citing the safety and wellbeing of her family as her primary concern. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her Miss South Africa journey, saying, “After much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.”

The law student’s participation in the pageant has been the subject of intense debate, with some questioning her eligibility due to her Nigerian descent. The controversy ignited xenophobic attacks on social media and drew commentary from politicians, celebrities, and the public, further polarizing opinions across the nation.

Adetshina, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, has faced significant challenges since being announced as a finalist in July. Despite the vitriol, she received a substantial outpouring of support from those who defended her right to compete.

The Miss South Africa pageant will continue as scheduled, but Adetshina’s withdrawal has cast a spotlight on the ongoing issues of xenophobia and identity within South Africa.