• Miss South Africa Mia Lee Roux was asked about her favourite music artist at the Metro FM Awards.

• Many people criticised the question and supported Mia after she explained why she doesn’t listen to music.

Miss South Africa Mia Lee Roux was asked a question at the Metro FM Music Awards that left many South Africans upset.

During a red carpet interview, host Mpumi Mlambo asked Mia to name her favourite South African music artist.

Mia answered: “Within the music industry, I don’t have a favourite South African artist as I am Deaf, so I do not listen to music.”

People on social media were quick to react. Some said the question was unfair and showed a lack of understanding. Others said it could have been avoided with better preparation.

One person wrote, “Why ask a Deaf person about music?” Another said the moment could have been handled with more care.

Afterwards, Mia posted on Instagram to explain more.

She said she sometimes plays music in the background when she feels lonely, but she doesn’t always understand it.

“Even now, I can’t confidently identify genres, artists, or instruments,” she wrote. “Because of that, I’ve never felt comfortable sharing music preferences, especially in public.”

Many people thanked her for explaining and said her words helped them think differently about how they treat others.

Mia was crowned Miss South Africa on 10 August 2024 in Pretoria. She is the first Deaf woman to win the title.

Pictured above: Mia Lee Roux.

Image source: @mialerouxx