South African singer, Tyla is facing criticism for supporting Chidinma Adetshina, who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to controversy.
Social media users in South Africa have been calling for Chidimma Adetshina’s disqualification, claiming she isn’t a legitimate citizen.
The 23-year-old law student, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant citing concerns for her family’s safety.
Her withdrawal came after an investigation suggested that Chidimma’s mother might have committed identity theft to become a South African citizen.
Reacting on her X page, Tyla expressed disappointment over what happened to Chidinma Adetshina and wished her the best.
The singer emphasized that she stands with South Africa but opposes bullying, which she believes Chidinma experienced.
She wrote, “Disappointed that this happened to her, but wish you all the best girl. Kill it!!!! ♥️♥️
“I will always stand with South Africa, i just feel regardless of the opinions… She was bullied and that’s what I don’t stand for.”
Tyla’s comments have sparked a debate about xenophobia and whether celebrities should get involved in sensitive issues.
Critics claim Tyla is painting South Africans negatively and warn that her comments could harm her career
Some South Africans urged her to delete the tweet to avoid more controversy, while others were concerned about her involvement in a sensitive issue involving Nigeria.
Although there are mixed reactions, Nigerians appreciated Tyla’s compassion and support for Chidinma Adetshina.
See some reactions below:
Disappointed that this happened to her, but wish you all the best girl
Kill it!!!! ♥️♥️ https://t.co/z2BDghy9PW
— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) August 10, 2024
I will always stand with South Africa, i just feel regardless of the opinions…
She was bullied and that’s what I don’t stand for.
— Tyla (@Tyllaaaaaaa) August 10, 2024
My chat is, why is everyone ignoring the victim whose identity was stolen? even Tyla didn’t say anything about her but decided to call South African “bullies”
— 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧. (@_ShaunKeyz) August 10, 2024
For those of you saying Chidimma was not bullied, you must think the rest of the world that watched what happened first hand immediately she was announced as a contestant are blind. From the moment you saw her Nigerian name, y'all started frothing!
— Bibi 💵🍷 (@Blehxxing) August 10, 2024
Tyla is about to learn the other side of us today because uyaphapha
— Evidence Bongwe (@Evidence_Shongw) August 10, 2024
Tyla should’ve just kept quiet. They’re dragging her now, it’s gonna be a long day 🥲.
— 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧. (@_ShaunKeyz) August 10, 2024
If South Africans are going to disown Tyla for speaking up against their bullying and bitter discrimination, we will give her a Nigerian name and she’ll come to the rightful home where she’s always belonged.
— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) August 10, 2024
Ya'all didn't build Tyla's career and you won't be destroying it ever….
You overestimate your importance🙃
You can't force everyone to view things the way you do, and if not you bully them. That's toxic!!
— Zealot Titusson⏳️⌛️ (@titusson_zealot) August 10, 2024
If I ever slander Tyla again after she stood up for Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina against HIV department South Africans then my kporon should not stand again
A fucking Queen 🐐🐐Adebimpe Tylaoluwa
— BIG AYO🔰 (@47kasz) August 10, 2024
Tyla is showing support to Chidimma Adetshina not the South African child who didn't have an ID for 23 years
She chose to ignore the child whose life have been on hold for full 23 years
Nice , we see her ❤️
— Aphelele Tyelbooi (@ApheleleJody) August 10, 2024
What Tyla is doing is boring me because she’s a global star.
Her tweeting about this without even including the important details of how Chidimma’s mother committed identity fraud for the entire 23 years reiterates the false narrative that she withdrew because of the “bullying”
— Paballo Maseko❄️ (@Paballo_maseko_) August 10, 2024
Tyla should have just kept quiet, but noooo she just had to stand and defend a Nigerian. Now she's gonna get cooked the whole day and you what, I'm here for it🙌🏽
— Makhanya (@_Makhanya_) August 10, 2024
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Nigeria pageant organizers have invited Chidimma Adetshina to join their 2024 competition following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant.