Entertainment
Miss Universe debunks report of Saudi Arabia’s participation in 2024 contest
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The organisers of the Miss Universe pageant have denied reports claiming Saudi Arabia is preparing to participate in the competition for the first time.
Last month, Rumy Alqahtani, a model from Saudi Arabia, announced that she would represent her country in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.
Alqahtani said the country will participate in the competition this year for the first time ever.
“Honoured to participate in Miss Universe 2024. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the competition,” she wrote on Instagram.
But in a statement, the organisers of Miss Universe described the model’s claim as “false and misleading”.
The statement said Saudi Arabia is not yet among the countries fully confirmed to participate in this year’s competition.
It, however, added that the country is undergoing “a rigorous vetting process” to qualify a potential candidate.
“Miss Universe Organization would like to address recent reports claiming the participation of a contestant representing Saudi Arabia in this year’s competition,” the statement reads.
“We would like to categorically state that no selection process has been conducted in Saudi Arabia, and any such claims are false and misleading.
“The selection of contestants to represent their respective countries in the Miss Universe competition is a rigorous process that adheres strictly to our policies and guidelines.
“Each country’s selection is carried out in accordance with established criteria and regulations, ensuring fairness and transparency in the selection of participants.
“As we prepare for the upcoming edition of the Miss Universe contest in Mexico, we are proud to announce that we will welcome over 100 contestants from various nationalities around the world.
“We are committed to showcasing diversity and inclusivity on our global stage, celebrating the beauty and talents of women from all walks of life.
“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent.
“Saudi Arabia will not have this opportunity to join our prestigious pageant until this is final and confirmed by our approval committee.”
Entertainment
Adetshina addresses identity theft claim, says she earned Miss Universe Nigeria win
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Chidimma Adetshina, the recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has finally addressed the claims of identity theft in South Africa.
Chidimma was born in 2001 in Soweto at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her father is of Igbo descent while some reports said her mother is a Mozambican who had become a naturalized citizen of South Africa.
The model sparked controversy during this year’s Miss South Africa pageant due to her nationality.
This led to a surge of criticism on social media, particularly from South Africans. Chidimma would later withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest.
Her withdrawal came after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
Speaking on the matter in an Arise TV interview, the 23-year-old denied any wrongdoing, saying “I didn’t steal anyone’s identity”.
The young woman, however, declined to elaborate, citing ongoing investigations and concerns about potential contradictions.
“I did not steal anyone’s identity. Obviously I am still waiting on the conclusion of the whole case and matter, then moving forward, I will know exactly what to say,” she said.
“Because I feel like now if I say something and something comes out tomorrow, it could be like but you said this then something else. I am just avoiding all those two things contradicting one another.”
On August 14, the model accepted the invitation to participate in this year’s Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. She was recently crowned winner of the pageant.
Speaking on her victory, Chidimma also dismissed insinuations that she won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant “out of pity”.
She argued that she went through the same rigorous experience as all contestants, adding that “I worked hard to earn my title”.
“A lot of people felt like it was a pity win and I do not think so. I feel like I really worked hard. Coming from the SA journey, we spent 10 weeks in camp,” she said.
“It might have been a slight difference but I feel like, if we have to look at the journey that we have all been through, I feel like I had the same experience that they did.”
Entertainment
Yemi Shodimu fumes after buying petrol at N1k per litre
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Yemi Shodimu, the ace actor, has expressed frustration over the ongoing petrol scarcity and price hike in Nigeria.
In a video shared on TikTok, Shodimu sang a re-composed song, thanking God for being able to buy 30 litres of petrol at N30,000.
The actor also asked if Nigerians are okay with the situation.
“I thank God I was able to buy fuel. I thank God I was able to get fuel. N30, 000 for 30 litres,” he sings.
“Are we seriously okay?”
Shodimu’s outburst follows the significant increase in petrol prices after President Bola Tinubu scrapped subsidies in 2023.
The official pump price had previously been N600/litre while the landing cost exceeded N1,200.
Entertainment
Skales calls out Green Africa Airline over N15 million loss due to flight cancellation
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Nigerian singer Skales lost ₦15 million after his flight to Akure was canceled due to the pilot’s illness.
Skales shared his frustration in a video, criticizing the airline, Green Africa, for last-minute communication and poor service. His experience highlights ongoing concerns about airline reliability in Nigeria.
Singer Skales expressed his frustration after an Akure-bound flight was canceled due to the pilot’s illness. In a video shared on social media, Skales confronted airline officials, revealing that the cancellation caused him to lose ₦15 million from a deal.
He criticized the airline, Green Africa, for poor communication and disrespect, questioning why they waited until the last minute to inform passengers of the issue.
Skales emphasized the financial loss, stating he had been paid ₦15 million for the event he was meant to attend. His outburst reflects growing dissatisfaction with airline services in Nigeria.
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