Mia Le Roux, South Africa’s reigning beauty queen, has withdrawn from the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, citing health issues. Le Roux, who had already arrived in Mexico City and participated in pre-event activities, announced that stepping back was a difficult choice. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from her home country, saying, “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe.”
The nature of her health concern was not disclosed.
At 28, Le Roux made history as the first hearing-impaired woman to win the Miss South Africa title in its 66-year history. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at age one, she uses an implant to assist with sound perception.
South Africa has a strong history in the Miss Universe pageant, securing the crown in 1978, 2017, and 2019.
