Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace announces resignation as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania amid pageant’s unending drama

Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire has resigned as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania to stay true to her values and inspire young women.

After Miss France and Miss Estonia, Olivia Yacé, who represented Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, has announced her resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, the popular beauty queen said she was stepping down to remain true to her values and to continue inspiring young women, especially across the African and Afro-descendant communities.

Here is the text from her Instagram post:

As the representative of Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of reaching great things despite adversity. To continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me.

With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.

Throughout my journey as an ambassador and beauty queen, I have served with commitment, resilience, discipline, and determination. However, to fully reach my potential, I must remain firmly anchored in my values guiding principles that pave the way toward excellence.

As I stand on stage, my greatest wish is to be a role model for the new generation, especially young girls. I encourage them to push their limits, to walk confidently into rooms where they believe they do not belong, and to proudly embrace their identity.

It is this commitment to being a positive influence that guides my decision today. Stepping away from this diminished role of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear.

I call upon Black, African, Caribbean, American, and Afro-descendent communities: continue entering spaces where you are not expected. Let us open the way for the others and sisters who will follow us. Never let anyone define who we are or limit our potential. Our presence matters, and our voices must be heard.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to the new Miss Universe. I also wish Miss Universe Jamaica a swift recovery and send her all my affection. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and for the unforgettable experiences that have shaped me. I will now continue my journey differently, with the same determination to uplift and inspire.

Thank you to all those who have been part of this exceptional adventure. Let us continue to defend our values and strive for greatness together.

IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.

With love and respect,

OLIVIA MANUELA YACÉ

What happened at Miss Universe 2025

This edition of the international pageant has made more headlines for its controversies than for its sartorial or philanthropic highlights. Earlier, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch encountered friction with Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisl, who publicly humiliated her, prompting a walkout by other contestants in her support. The incident received huge backlash online, leading to Nawat's very teary public apology. After the result's announcement, netizens expressed disappointment over Fátima Bosch being declared the winner, debating that her final answer was weaker than others, and some contestants were more deserving of the crown.

One of the judges, Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 titleholder, announced on Instagram that, in her opinion, the first runner-up was the true winner, and she also criticised the lack of transparency in the judging process.

Another judge, Omar Harfouch, a Lebanese-French composer, resigned three days before the final, claiming that a ‘secret committee’ had already selected the top 30 finalists and knew the results 24 hours before the contestants even participated. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha, however, responded to the rigging allegation and revealed that Omar Harfouch had actually been removed from the Miss Universe 2025 judging panel.

Looks like the 74th Miss Universe 2025 will be remembered as one of the most dramatic editions in recent history. Controversies frequently overshadowed the glam of the coveted pageant.