At 28 years old, she made history in August by becoming the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa, following a competition marred by controversy, including the withdrawal of a finalist who faced online harassment related to her Nigerian heritage.
Ms. Le Roux had dedicated several weeks in Mexico preparing for the prestigious beauty pageant finale. The Miss South Africa organization released a statement emphasizing that her health and well-being are their top priority and committed to supporting her until she fully recovers.
Her unexpected withdrawal means that South Africa will not have a representative at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, where she was among 120 contestants competing for the esteemed title.
"This decision has been incredibly difficult, given the dreams and expectations placed upon me," she stated. "However, I am truly thankful for the chance to focus on my health and recovery, allowing me to serve my country with renewed strength."
The specific nature of her health issue has not been disclosed. The Miss South Africa organization praised Ms. Le Roux for her "incredible courage and grace" during this challenging time, expressing their support as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.
Last month, Ms. Le Roux had expressed her enthusiasm about the opportunity to represent South Africa at Miss Universe, describing it as a "once-in-a-lifetime chance for my voice to be heard." She had hoped to highlight her country's "beautiful diversity."
Despite being diagnosed with severe hearing loss at the tender age of one, she employs a cutting-edge cochlear implant to aid in her perception of sound. In a prior interview, she candidly shared her arduous journey, revealing that it took two years of dedicated speech therapy before she was able to utter her initial words.