"I am deaf": Miss SA's Mia answers insensitive question
An awkward red carpet moment has SA social media users divided...
On Saturday, August 10, Mia le Roux was crowned Miss South African 2024 during a star-studded final at SunBet Arena, Time Square.
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The judging panel, which included former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss, actress Leandie du Randt, Miss World Rolene Strauss, radio personality Lerato Kganyago, and actress Thembi Seete, came together to judge the final Top 10 Miss South Africa 2024 finalists.
In the end, Le Roux was announced as the winner by host, media mogul and businesswoman Bonang Matheba.
Le Roux (28) was born in Sasolburg, Free State, and raised in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape. She is a marketing manager, model, and part-time B Com Marketing student.
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She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and says her community rallied behind her to give her the gift of hearing, inspiring her desire to make a positive impact and break barriers.
While Le Roux is not defined by her hearing loss, she was shocked by her Miss SA win because of it.
In an interview with 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', she said, "I didn't always believe someone like me could be Miss SA."
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Because of Le Roux's outspokenness about her deafness, a recent moment shocked social media users.
Le Roux attended the MetroFM Music Awards and walked the red carpet, supporting local music.
During one of the red carpet interviews, the interviewer asked Mia about her favourite SA music artists:
Mpumi Mlambo on @METROFMSA Awards black carpet asks Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux who's her favourite artist.
— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) May 3, 2025
"Within the music industry I don't have a favourite South African artists as I am deaf, so I do not listen to music."#MetroFMAwards2025 #MMA2025 #MetroAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/ZGF0deNRx2
Many of those who saw the moment felt embarrassed on behalf of Mia:
Wasn’t the red carpet host supposed to know that our Miss SA is deaf? 🫣I think the question was insensitive.
— Thabiso Lesoetsa (@thabso_lesoetsa) May 3, 2025
Nah wrap it up. How does she forget that when it was such a controversial topic
— Noxolo (@ThatNoksieChick) May 3, 2025
Oh wow, how insensitive
— G-Wag 🌸 . (@JustTrish_23) May 3, 2025
@METROFMSA this is absolutely insulting, insesitive and lack tact. Deal with your Presenter for puting your event into disrepute. A journalist must know & be educated when it come to who she should interview & why. This cannot be excused away. Totally unaceptable!
— PwakaDlomo (@PwDlomo) May 4, 2025
Others wanted to point out that many people with similar disabilities enjoy listening to music and enjoying the art in various ways:
That's a very lazy, mediocre answer from some that holds such a title. Not impressed. She could have at least shared what inspired her to attend the event as a deaf person. I didn't see the interview so let me tool🤐
— l am the Construction Gawd (@Bheki_CEO) May 4, 2025
Today's music displays lyrics. She's Miss SA 2024 she should have answered that question way better.
— l am the Construction Gawd (@Bheki_CEO) May 4, 2025
I'm deaf so l barely can hear music much but l am intrigued by Oscar Mbo's fashion/dance moves he seems to have a whole lot of fans l'm sure hes a great artist. Duuuh!!
My two cents, some hearing-impaired people do have their fave artists. They watch music videos and read subtitles. Some can even dance in sync with music playing on TV. Miss SA's PR team should've also anticipated this question, it's a music show. I'm not defending anyone though
— The Plug🫶💰🏦 (@Teatainment) May 3, 2025
Then why is she at a MUSIC awards show?
— Uppity African (@MissZuzie) May 4, 2025
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Main image courtesy of Official Miss SA/Instagram